The Austin Public Safety Commission meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on updates regarding the city's fire cadet training programs and staffing levels. The meeting began with a presentation on the current status of two active cadet classes.

Cadet class number 139, which commenced in January, started with 48 cadets but has seen a reduction to 40. Reasons for this attrition include academic challenges, failure to meet physical standards, and voluntary withdrawals by cadets who realized the program may not be suitable for them. Similarly, class 140, which began on March 24, started with 45 cadets and has also decreased to 40 for the same reasons.

Looking ahead, the department plans to initiate another cadet class in August, aiming to recruit 48 new candidates. The department expressed optimism about maintaining low vacancy levels, which previously dropped to 12 personnel. This is crucial for ensuring adequate staffing for fire apparatus, as insufficient personnel can lead to mandatory overtime for existing staff.

The presentation concluded with an encouragement for interested individuals to visit the department's website for more information on joining the fire service. Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to manage cadet training and staffing effectively while prioritizing the well-being of current members.