Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College cadet firefighters celebrate graduation

NSW RFS Regional Manager, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Watson said the program is an ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

"The cadets have completed a nine week course that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” Chief Superintendent Watson 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.”

Chief Superintendent Watson said this was the second year the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program had been offered to students at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale Campus.

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

“In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to Principal Noel Heaps and all staff from Tugerrah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale Campus, for helping to make this program such a success.”

Chief Superintendent Watson also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Lakes 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.

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