Dareton cadet firefighters celebrate graduation

Today ten students from Coomealla High School have been congratulated on their successful completion of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program.

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Midgley said that the program was the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

"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.

"These cadets have completed a nine week course that has given them skills that will last a lifetime.

"The Program also offers students the opportunity to experience first-hand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering.

This is the first year that Coomealla High School has offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students and it's great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program," said Assistant Commissioner Midgley.

Assistant Commissioner Midgley also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Lower Western District team who facilitated the course, particularly District Services Officer Scott Connor.

"NSW RFS members have worked hard throughout the course to equip these young people with skills they can take with them for the rest of their lives."

"In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the Principal Rob Scotton, teachers and staff from Coomealla High School for helping to make this Program such a success.

"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.

"The Service is proud to pass on the ideals of community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation", said Assistant Commissioner Midgley.