Middlesex Borough OEM Cadet Program: Forging Tomorrow’s Emergency Leaders Today
The Middlesex Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Cadet Program isn’t just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a catalyst for youth empowerment and community resilience. Designed for teens ages 14 to 18, the program opens a door into the dynamic world of emergency response, preparedness, public service, and civic engagement.
Every cadet who steps into this program steps up as a changemaker. Whether they pursue careers in emergency services or choose entirely different paths, they walk away with something powerful: sharpened leadership skills, real-world teamwork experience, and a profound sense of what it means to serve their community.
But this story isn’t just about preparing for emergencies—it’s about igniting passion and nurturing future leaders.
More Than Uniforms: Cadets in Action
Our cadets are not just present. They’re active, energized, and engaged. Through participation in events like:
The Middlesex Volunteer Fair
National Night Out
Marching with pride in the Memorial Day Parade
Taking part in the Middlesex Borough Youth Police Academy
...these young leaders step out to meet the residents they serve and represent.
Beyond the public eye, they undergo hands-on training, learning the inner workings of setting up community shelters and emergency protocols. These experiences foster a deep curiosity and a commitment to teamwork that reflects everything they do.
In Their Own Words
Below, you’ll meet our OEM Cadets, not just through their accomplishments but in their own voices. Hear about their discoveries, their motivations, and the moments that sparked their passion for service.
They’ve shown up with open minds, strong hearts, and a contagious energy that reminds us why investing in youth leadership isn’t just the right move, it’s the smart one.
So, come celebrate the spark. Get to know the faces and stories behind the uniforms.
If you would like to learn more about the OEM Cadet Program, please contact the OEM Administrator bbenson@middlesexboro-nj.gov or follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/middlesexoem.
Meet the OEM Cadets. Future ready. Community proud.
Gracielle Francisco
Being an OEM cadet has allowed me to improve my confidence in conversing with people within and outside of my community, allowing me to transfer my conversational skills into other aspects of my life. It has also been an incredibly beneficial experience due to the knowledge we received regarding emergency readiness, where we learn various things such as how to give CPR. Overall, being a cadet has been a really nice experience where I have taken away a good amount of knowledge in case of emergencies.
Vu Ngo
A couple of months ago, when I was volunteering at the Middlesex Public Library, some of my friends, who are fellow OEM Cadets, recommended I apply to be an OEM Cadet as well. There are many factors as to why I joined OEM in the end, but the largest one is that I want to help out in the community. Volunteering is something I enjoy doing because I want to give back and help improve this community.
Amanjot Parmar
To me, the OEM Cadet Program has been an invaluable opportunity to play a major role in my community. Being a member has allowed me to get involved with activities that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and volunteer in order to potentially make a change. Various events have helped incredibly with my social and leadership skills, and I would say that I have also gained great knowledge regarding psychology and first-aid that will help me significantly. There are numerous other skills as well, like teamwork, and I hope to learn more about medicine in the future in relation to OEM.
Jasleen Parmar
Volunteering with the Middlesex Boro Rescue Squad opened my eyes to the importance of planning and coordination during emergencies. I joined the OEM Cadet Program to deepen my understanding of disaster response, learn how different agencies work together, and build skills in emergency management. Being part of a team that protects and supports our community in times of crisis is something I value deeply. This program allows me to take a more proactive role in preparedness, not just response, and gives me the tools to contribute more meaningfully during critical situations.
I’m honored to graduate from Middlesex High School, Class of 2025. I will be attending Rutgers University–New Brunswick as a part of their Honors College, majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. My goal is to become a pediatric emergency room doctor and improve healthcare access in underserved communities.
Arshdeep Parmar
The goal of the Office of Emergency Management is to provide immediate care and assistance to those who are in need during a natural or man-made disaster by providing hands-on care with respect, professionalism and consideration of what one is going through. This mission of OEM led me and my parents to make the collective decision of joining OEM as a cadet and I must say our team is walking greatly on the aim for what OEM is made for.
I graduated from Middlesex Borough High School this year. My aim is to pursue my higher education at Rutgers University under the PreMed program.
Olivia Whale
Saturday, April 20, 2024. That’s when Middlesex Borough had their first Volunteer Fair, and where I first learned about the OEM Cadet Program. Automatically I was intrigued and wanted to join. There isn’t any one reason that inspired me to join the program, but I knew the differences I could make and the lives I could help. I especially wanted to make a difference in my community, as community is extremely important to me. I also wanted to enhance my leadership, interpersonal, and preparedness skills, and become a more resilient and Godly person overall.
I graduated Middlesex High School, 2025, and will be attending Houghton University, Majoring in Environmental Science.