Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 28/05/2004 18:00

Saltash Fire Station has today received generous sponsorship from Shanska (the company who maintain the Saltash tunnel) to assist in helping them set up a group of fire cadets at the station.

Saltash Fire Station has been campaigning for assistance to set up fire cadets for the past few months. They have held a number of fund raising events and are holding a bungee jumping evening on Friday 28th May between 6pm – 8pm. Shanska have offered to fund the bungee jumping evening and their donation will pay for the bungee equipment, food and other entertainment on the night.

The cadet scheme started in Cornwall during 1996 with the first branch opening at Newquay Fire Station. Due to the popularity of the group cadets were then recruited at Bodmin Fire Station in 2001 and St Austell Fire Station in 2003. All cadets are recruited from school year 8 (12/13 year olds) and are immediately inducted into Fire Service life. The primary objectives for Cornwall County Fire Brigade Cadet Scheme are:

• To recruit young people and afford them the opportunity of joining a uniformed organisation
• To assist in each members development, both mentally and physically. Whilst promoting self discipline, social consciousness and community awareness.
• To foster a spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership
• To ensure the health, safety and welfare of members whilst in the care of Cornwall County Fire Brigade

Potential Cadet Leader Firefighter Darren Berrey explains “The running cost of the fire cadet scheme is borne by each branch via fund raising and sponsorship. Much of the funds are raised through the local community and businesses with all instructors, who are both uniformed and non-uniformed members of the Brigade, giving their time freely.

He cont: “The cadets take part in many activities including fire service drills appropriate to their age and experience, first aid, fire safety, outward bounds and an annual camp. They can also work towards a BTEC Qualification in firefighting skills”

Person from company name again said: “We are delighted to help with such a worthwhile initiative. The cadet scheme is something that can really benefit the young people of town, teaching them valuable life skills. We hope that our donation can help set the scheme up and we look forward to supporting it for many years to come”

On Saturday 29th May there is a sponsored car wash at Focus DIY in Saltash from 10am – 4pm. They will also be attempting a sponsored ‘car-pull’ date and time to be confirmed. All moneys raised will go towards setting up a cadet scheme in Saltash.

If anyone would like to help with funding please contact Firefighter Darren Berrey tel: 01752 842571.