Fire Cadets have celebrated the official opening of the Isle of Wight’s first unit.
The new Sandown Fire Cadets were joined by guests, family and friends to mark the milestone.
During the ceremony, the Isle of Wight’s Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, was formally named as the official Patron for the Isle of Wight Fire Cadets.
Guests were then treated to an impressive demonstration of an operational drill by the young cadets as they displayed the teamwork and hose skills they’ve learnt so far.
The Lord Lieutenant said:
“I really am honoured to be the Patron for the Isle of Wight fire cadets.
“I’m a great believer in the benefit of uniformed cadet services as they offer such an opportunity for growing confidence, learning leadership skills and teamwork – learning to work together no matter where you come from, which is such an important life skill.
“As Patron, I’m looking forward to being invited back regularly to see how the cadets are getting on.”
Assistant director for prevention and protection, Jason Avery, said:
“Fire Cadets makes such a difference in the lives of these young people and our communities.
“Thank you to the volunteers and Fire Cadets at Sandown Fire Station who’ve made this celebration possible.”
Fire cadet Manager Melanie Walker O’Hare said:
“It’s exciting to be able to deliver the Fire Cadets programme on the island as the programme teaches young people real-life skills they can use now and in the future.”
“It was incredible to see so many people from the island come out to support the cadets this evening.”
HIWFRS now has 72 Fire Cadets across six Fire Cadet units all based at working fire stations. The 50 volunteers who support them are a combination of operational firefighters, retired or former personnel and members of the local community.
Fire Cadets offers young people aged between 13 and 17 the chance to gain essential social, life, work and wellbeing skills, in a fun and challenging environment. During their weekly meetings they complete a BTEC Fire Service in the Community qualification and learn about first aid and fire safety.
3S Fire, a Community Interest Company wholly owned by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority helped to support the new unit by donating a training ladder and uniforms.
HIWFRS is looking for Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors to support their existing cadet unit at Rushmoor and for a new unit coming soon to Basingstoke. Find out more
