Graduation celebrations for Gilgandra cadet firefighters

Summary

Four students from Gilgandra High School were congratulated today by NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Superintendent Corey Philip for their successful completion of the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program.

Superintendent Philip said the program is the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighter’s play within communities.

"The cadets have completed a course that ran over ten weeks that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” Supt. Philip said.

“As well as examining fire behavior, the students have been 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.”

Supt. Philip said this was the second time Gilgandra High School has offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students and hoped it would become a permanent fixture in the curriculum.

“It’s great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program,” Supt. Philip said.

“In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the Principal and staff from Gilgandra High School, for helping to make this program such a success.”

Supt. Philip also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Castlereagh Zone that facilitated the course.

"NSW 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.

“The Service is proud to pass on the ideals of community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation.”

Attached files:

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: 02 9898 1855