Woonona High School Cadet Program hailed a success

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Dominic Lane congratulated 22 hard working students who committed to the intensive ten week course run by members from the Illawarra area.

"These young people have not only learnt valuable lessons about fire safety by completing the program, they have also gained vital life-skills such as commitment, leadership skills and team work.

"This collection of students has also gained an appreciation of the important role that volunteers play in the community and I hope these cadets have been inspired to go out and join their local brigade.

"The Illawarra area is no stranger to bush fires and other every day incidents involving fire and it is important we are seeing a steady flow of younger members joining local brigades to help protect their community from such emergencies," said Assistant Commissioner Lane.

Assistant Commissioner Lane described the cadets as an inspiration to their fellow students at the school as well as other young people in their community.

"This is the first time that students from Woonona High School have participated in the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program, and it is extremely rewarding to see these students show such genuine enthusiasm for the course," said Assistant Commissioner Lane.

Assistant Commissioner Lane paid tribute to NSW RFS volunteers and staff from the Illawarra area and thanked them for their enthusiastic support of the Cadet Program.

"These members selflessly give up their time to pass on their skills and knowledge to students, and they should be rightfully proud of the 22 young people graduating from this program today.

"In addition to our dedicated volunteers and staff, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the principal and staff from Woonona High School for helping make their first Cadet Program such a success," said Assistant Commissioner Lane.

Assistant Commissioner Lane said more than 3,000 students across the state had successfully completed the NSW RFS Secondary Schools Cadet Program since its launch six years ago.