The Vice-Lord-Lieutenant presented both Cadets and Volunteer Instructors with certificates at the Gosport ceremony on Wednesday 10th December, before similar evenings were held in Eastleigh and Basingstoke the following week, where the cadets showcased their skills on the drill yard to their families and friends.
Fire Cadet Delivery Manager Clair Hayward said:
“Once again it has been wonderful to welcome our Cadets’ friends and families and showcase the skills learnt from the programme.
“We are incredibly proud of all our cadets, how far they have come and all that they have achieved in their time with us.”
Basingstoke Cadet, Jude, and Gosport’s Isla, were presented with NFCC Fire Cadet Chair Awards during their ceremonies, whilst further awards were presented to Aimee at Gosport for representing the cadets at the Cenotaph Remembrance Parade, and to Basingstoke’s Austin for Best Team Member at the Fire Cadet Games.
Isla has represented the HIWFRS programme at local and national events, and was part of the team which won a first aid competition at the UK Rescue Organisation challenge event, competing against twelve other fire services.
Back in May, Isla came across a road traffic collision where a woman was trapped. Isla jumped into action with her first aid training, keeping the casualty calm and updating her with what was happening. Supporting the patient’s spine, Isla used an advanced technique learnt as part of her UKRO first aid training, to open the casualty’s airway.
When medical professionals arrived, they were so impressed with Isla’s skills that they asked her to continue whilst they initiated their treatment. The doctor on the scene wanted to ensure Isla was recognised and commended for her actions.
After taking part in the UK Fire Cadets Big Walk in May, Jude was inspired to continue his fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity by challenging himself to climb Ben Lomond, despite never having climbed a mountain before.
Over the summer he walked more than 200 miles and the equivalent ascent of Ben Lomond’s 3,100 feet five times during his training, as he smashed his initial fundraising target, raising £1,027 in total.
Due to the weather conditions, Jude had to change his plans and scaled the neighbouring hill, Earls Seat, instead.
Clair Hayward continued:
“Isla stepped up to help a stranger without hesitation, demonstrating what she had learnt at cadets and using those skills at a real medical incident, making a difference to someone’s life.
“Jude was determined to push himself out of his comfort zone to complete a challenge that he had not faced before, whilst raising an incredible amount of money for charity.
“We are so proud of both Isla and Jude for the level of dedication, positive attitude and displays of courage through adversity they have displayed. They are thoroughly deserving recipients of these awards.”
Fire Cadets is a training programme run by the fire service to give youngsters between the ages of 13 and 17 the opportunity to gain essential social, life, work and wellbeing skills, and develop their confidence and personal skills.
If you know any 13–17-year-olds who might be interested in joining us you can find out more here.
