Cadet program going from strength to strength in Albion Park

Summary

Nineteen students from Albion Park High School today graduated the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program with flying colours.

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald said the enthusiastic cadets, from Years 9, 10 and 11, have learnt vital fire safety skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

"The students at Albion Park High School were very responsive to the intensive 10 week course and welcomed the chance to gain new skills and learn about bush, grass and house fires," Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

"This course is unique because it not only covers a broad range of practical firefighting skills, such as how to use a firefighting hose, it also teaches students important attributes like commitment, leadership and team work.

"These students are already halfway to becoming a qualified firefighter, should they chose to build on their new found skills and join their local NSW RFS brigade."

This is the first year that Albion Park High School has offered the Secondary School Cadet Program to its students.

Assistant Commissioner McDonald thanked the school staff and NSW RFS Illawarra Zone members for providing students with the opportunity to complete the course at Albion Park High School.

"In addition to the dedicated volunteers who have run the course, I would also like to extend a special thanks to Principal Suzanne Clapham and the Albion Park High School staff for helping make the cadet program such a success," Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

"NSW RFS members enjoy working closely with schools and communities to ensure that everyone is as well prepared as possible for the very real threat of fire. Our firefighters cannot do it alone."

More than 6500 students across NSW have successfully completed the NSW RFS Secondary Schools Cadet Program.

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