Cadets at the New Mexico National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (NMYCA) had the chance Friday to get some up close experience with local first responders during the academy's twice-annual First Responders Day.

“Every cycle we bring them in, this year it is a little bigger,” said Teresa Salyerds, placement manager for the academy. "We want to open the cadets's eyes to career horizons they may not be aware of."

Salyards explained the the academy has two cycles of cadets each year, and they have a First Responders Day for each group. She said the events provide cadets the opportunity to connect with employees of such organizations as the Roswell Police and Fire departments, the Chaves County Detention Center, American Medical Response (AMR) and medical transport company, Trans Aero Medevac.

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