The League City Volunteer Fire Department started training its newest cadet class on Thursday, Aug. 13, with roughly 20 weeks of instruction ahead before recruits can respond to emergency calls alongside the city's all-volunteer force.
The 2026B Cadet Class held its first session at the department's Fire Training Academy that evening, the department announced on its official Facebook page. Over the coming months, cadets will train in fire behavior, suppression tactics, physical fitness and emergency operations.
The commitment is substantial. Classroom sessions run every Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 16 weeks, according to the city's Join Our Team page, with additional field evaluation time extending the full program to about 20 weeks.
The cadets will join a force of roughly 150 volunteer firefighters who staff six stations across League City. The department's volunteer roster includes NASA engineers, business owners, plant workers, stay-at-home parents and college students, according to the city's fire department page.
That all-volunteer model helped League City earn an ISO Class 1 fire protection rating, which it has held since April 2017, placing it in the top 0.5% of fire departments nationwide. The rating, presented by the Texas State Fire Marshal, can reduce homeowner and business fire insurance premiums.
Active volunteers must complete at least 12 trainings and respond to a minimum of 160 fire calls per year, plus pass a Fire Ground Duty Evaluation. In return, the city offers a pension plan, paid training and continuing education, and access to specialty rescue teams.
Residents interested in joining don't have to wait long. Applications for Academy Class 2027A, which starts in January 2027, are due by Sept. 1. Applicants must be at least 18, hold a valid Texas driver's license, pass a criminal background check and be drug-free. Information is available at the city's website or by calling Fire Administration at 281-554-1465.
Coming up in League City
- National Night Out: Tuesday, Oct. 6. Neighborhood registration open through Friday, Sept. 25, at leaguecitytx.gov/616/National-Night-Out.
- Music in the Historic District: Friday, Aug. 28, 7–10 p.m. at League Park, 512 2nd St. Free acoustic concert hosted by the League City Folk Association, the City of League City, Visit League City and the League City Historical Society. Bring your own food, drinks and a chair.
- Clear the Shelters: Saturday, Aug. 29. Free pet adoptions.
