Thirty-five students are set to graduate from the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program after successfully completing the three day course that introduces young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

NSW RFS District Manager Superintendent Kevin Adams said 14 students from Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre and 10 students from Coleambally Central School and 11 students at Yanco Agricultural High School will graduate from the course.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the students were taught essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this state,” Superintendent Adams said. Students at Tirkandi Inaburra also had the opportunity to cover aspects of cultural burning practices.

“The cadet program also offers students the opportunity to experience first-hand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering.”

Adams added that it is great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program and hope it continues as part of the curriculum for years to come.

“In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the school and centre’s staff and community for helping to make this program such a success.”

Adams also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the MIA District 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 and also hopefully gain some more RFS volunteers within our brigades.”