Chifley/Lithgow Team cadet firefighters celebrate graduation

Summary

Twenty-six students from the Chifley/Lithgow Team area have been congratulated today by Member for Bathurst Paul Toole MP and NSW RFS Team Manager Superintendent Greg Sim for their successful completion of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program.

Following a Field Day tournament at Bathurst’s George Park to showcase their newly acquired skills, a special ceremony was held to praise the future firefighters.

Mr Toole said the cadet program is the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

"These cadets have completed the 10 week course that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” Mr Toole said.

Superintendent Sim said as well as examining fire behaviour, 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,” Superintendent Sim said.

Superintendent Sim said three students from The Scots School in Bathurst, nine students from The Carenne School Bathurst and 14 Denison College of Secondary Education Kelso High Campus students took part in this year’s program.

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

“In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the Principals and staff from all schools involved, for helping to make this program such a success.”

Superintendent Sim also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Chifley/Lithgow Team who 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,” Superintendent Sim said.

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

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855