Young High School cadet firefighters celebrate graduation

Ms Jones said the program is the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer fire fighters play within communities.

"The cadets have completed a course that ran over 10 weeks that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” Ms Jones 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.”

Ms Jones said this was the first time Young High School had offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students.

“It’s great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program and I hope it will continue as part of the curriculum in future years,” Ms Jones said.

“In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the Principal and staff from Young High School, for helping to make this program such a success.”

Ms Jones also paid tribute to the volunteers and staff from the South West Slopes Zone that 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.”