Passing-out parades have been held to mark the achievements of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) Fire Cadets in Basingstoke, Eastleigh and Gosport.
On Wednesday 6 December family and friends of Gosport Fire Cadets gathered together with HIWFRS colleagues and dignitaries for a small celebratory ceremony where the cadets gave speeches about their individual journeys, before being presented with certificates to mark their achievements.
It was time to celebrate Eastleigh Fire Cadets on Monday 11 December in a ceremony held at the Service Headquarters in Eastleigh. Eastleigh Fire Cadets, HIWFRS colleagues, family and friends, were joined by Patron of the HIWFRS Fire Cadets Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, Esq, who presented the cadets with certificates after giving an inspirational speech.
The final passing-out parade was held on the evening of Thursday 14 December at Basingstoke Fire Station where certificates were presented by the Deputy Lieutenant. The Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors were also presented with certificates in recognition of the time and dedication they have given supporting the cadets.
All cadet groups performed drills during their passing-out parades to showcase some of the skills they had learnt.
HIWFRS Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward said:
“We are incredibly proud of all the units passing out and their achievements over the last year. I would like to congratulate them all on completing this journey as a Fire Cadet and for the determination they have shown to complete the programme. The resilience and commitment to Fire Cadets is highly commendable.”
During the programme the Fire Cadets have undertaken a mixture of challenges and training including firefighting drills, first-aid training and getting to grips with real life firefighting equipment. They have also represented the Service in community projects and learnt new skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership.
HIWFRS Fire Cadet Lead Alex Hamilton said:
“It’s been another incredible year for our Fire Cadets. I am so overwhelmingly proud of our cadets and our instructors too who have prepared them for their pass out parades.”
Find out more about Fire Cadets
Can you help? We are looking for Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors to help support our Basingstoke and Rushmoor units. If you’re looking for a new challenge and would like to help young people achieve their full potential, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more and get in touch.