It was a day filled with pride and emotion in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County.

Cadets from the second annual Upper Providence Township Emergency Services Academy graduated on Friday after a week of intense, hands-on training.

The summer camp offered kids ages 10 to 15 a rare opportunity to step into the shoes of first responders. Among them was 15-year-old Emerson Boyer, who got to experience what their jobs are really like.

"I think all the police, EMS, firefighters, they all work together, which is pretty cool and I don't think I ever realized that," she said.

The cadets sat inside a medical helicopter, practiced administering first aid, and participated in a simulated rescue along the Schuylkill River.

"You learned how to use a fire extinguisher and put out fire," 10

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