Hawkesbury cadet firefighters celebrate graduation

Summary

Today 11 students from Hawkesbury High School graduated the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program with flying colours.

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley 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 Hawkesbury High School were very responsive to the intensive 19 week course and welcomed the chance to gain new skills and learn about bush, grass and house fires," Assistant Commissioner Midgley 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 Midgley also thanked the school staff and NSW RFS Hawkesbury 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 Stephen Heslop and staff from Hawkesbury High School for helping make the cadet program such a success," Assistant Commissioner Midgley 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.