Cadet program going from strength to strength in Bourke

Summary

Today 25 students from Bourke High School graduated the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program with flying colours.

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Steve Yorke said the enthusiastic young cadets have learnt vital fire safety skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

"The students at Bourke High School were very responsive to the intensive ten week course and welcomed the chance to gain new skills and learn about bush, grass and house fires," Assistant Commissioner Yorke 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."

Assistant Commissioner Yorke also thanked the school staff and NSW RFS Far West Team area members who facilitated the course.

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

"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. Our firefighters cannot do it alone."

More than 5000 students across NSW have successfully completed the NSW RFS Secondary Schools Cadet Program.