A young member of the Richardson Police Department’s Public Safety Cadets program is being recognized after helping officers and firefighters respond to a house fire.

Teen cadet Rhiannon Harris was taking part in a ride-along with a Richardson police officer when crews were dispatched to a residential fire. During the response, Harris had the opportunity to assist as first responders worked to contain flames spreading along a fence line near a home.

Video released by the department shows the officer handing Harris a fire extinguisher and guiding her as she helped spray down the flames. Responding firefighters also allowed Harris to help hold a hose while crews worked to extinguish the fire.

Richardson police praised the cadet for stepping up during the emergency and using the moment as a learning experience as she continues her journey toward a career as a first responder.

The Richardson Police Public Safety Cadets Unit 1078 is a career-focused mentoring program for young adults ages 14 to 20 who are interested in law enforcement and public safety careers. Through training exercises, ride-alongs, community service opportunities, and hands-on experiences, cadets learn leadership skills and gain exposure to the day-to-day work of police officers and other public safety professionals.

The local program is affiliated with the Public Safety Cadets organization, a national nonprofit founded and managed by active and retired law enforcement officers and public safety industry leaders. The organization was created to help public safety agencies mentor young adults while building future recruiting pipelines for law enforcement and emergency services careers.

For some cadets, the experience can lead directly to employment opportunities. Richardson police officials said Harris was recently hired as a part-time Public Safety Officer with the department, responding to non-emergency calls, providing roadside assistance, and helping manage traffic accidents and take reports on certain delayed property crimes.

Officials said the position is often a good fit for college students and young adults beginning careers in public safety.

For more information about the Public Safety Cadets program, click here.