Congratulations to graduating St Columba’s Catholic College cadets

RFS Inspector Rob Vinzenz said the program is the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

“These cadets have completed a program that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” Inspector Vinzenz said.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the students were taught essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this state.

“The cadet program also offers students the opportunity to experience firsthand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering.”

Inspector Vinzenz said this was the first time since 2017 the cadet program had been delivered as an alternate physical education activity at St Columba’s Catholic College.

“It is great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program and hope it now continues as part of the school’s curriculum for years to come,” he said.

“In addition to our RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the Principal, teachers and staff from St Columba’s Catholic College for helping to make this program such a success.”

Inspector Vinzenz also paid tribute to the volunteers and staff from the Blue Mountains District who facilitated the course.

"RFS members thoroughly enjoy working closely with schools and communities to ensure that everyone is as well prepared as possible for the very real threat of fire. Firefighters cannot do it alone,” he said.

“The Service is proud to pass on the ideals of community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation and also hopefully gain some more RFS volunteers within our brigades.”