Keira cadet firefighters celebrate graduation

NSW RFS Director, Membership & Strategic Services, Bronwyn Jones said that the program was the ideal way to build new skills in young people and introduce them to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

"These Keira cadets have completed a 10 week course that has given them skills that will last a lifetime.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the students have been taught team work, essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this State.

"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 Keira High School has participated in the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program and it’s great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program,” said Ms Jones.

Ms Jones also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Illawarra team who facilitated the course.

"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, teachers and staff from Keira 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 Ms Jones.