Congratulations to Hawkesbury’s Future Firefighters

Dubbed the volunteer firefighters of tomorrow by the NSW Rural Fire Service, a number of students from Richmond High School completed the challenging Secondary School Cadet Program on Monday, 29 July 2024.

RFS Operational Officer Michael Gapps presented Certifications of Completion to 15 year nine students at a ceremony held at the school.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the participants have learned essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work emergency services do every day across the state,” Officer Gapps said.

“The course teaches young people about the important contribution volunteer firefighters make to the local community, provides them with firefighting skills and knowledge, and instils values such as teamwork, leadership and confidence.

“After completing this course, we encourage the students to take the next step and join their local brigade, and complete their training to become bush firefighters.”

Officer Gapps said the RFS has been delivering the Secondary School Cadet Program for two decades, with thousands of students across NSW having graduated.

“It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm for this program, and I would particularly like to thank Richmond High School Cadet Coordinator Nicola Bennet and School Principal Angela Heath for their enthusiasm in organising this training for their students,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the 40 volunteers from several local brigades who helped deliver the 13-week program to the students, under the direction of Deputy Group Captain Phil Hurst.

“RFS members enjoy working with schools and communities to ensure everyone is as well prepared as possible for the very real threat of fire.”

Richmond High School Careers Adviser Nicola Bennet said the program was a fantastic opportunity for students to know the value of helping the community.

“Our Cadets had an incredible time with NSW RFS and learnt so much about the work of the NSW RFS and many of our other crucial services that help our community. Students also learnt more than just fire safety, but also about the value of community service and the volunteers behind these services,” Mrs Bennet said.

“We are immensely proud of them and their representation of our School and our wider community.”