Congratulations to Snowy Monaro’s future firefighters

RFS District Manager for Snowy Monaro, Superintendent Jim Durant will present Certifications of Completion to 23 students from Bombala High School at a ceremony to be held at the High School.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the participants have learned essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work emergency services do every day across the state,” Superintendent Jim Durant said.

“The course teaches young people about the important contribution volunteer firefighters make to the local community, provides them with firefighting skills and knowledge, and instils values such as teamwork, leadership and confidence.

“After completing this course, we encourage the students to take the next step and join their local brigade and complete their training to become bush firefighters,” he said.

Superintendent Jim Durant thanked Bombala High School for offering the program to its students.

“It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm for this program, and I would particularly like to thank the School Cadet Coordinator, Ms Donna Shelley, for her contribution in making this program a success,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the volunteers from several local brigades who helped deliver the program to the students, under the direction of Group Officer John Reed.

“John has been here since the inception of the Cadet Program and this year marks his final year as Coordinator,” said Superintendent Jim Durant.

Group Captain John Reed says that he found the Cadet program seems to be gaining popularity since its inception more than a decade ago.

“I find that it went from a few interested students in the beginning to now most of the classes wanting to participate,” said John.

“As rewarding as this role is, given the increase in coordination requirements; it’s time to hand the batten across to the next member and spend a bit more time around home,” John Reed said.