Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 27/02/2006 19:00

*****Photo Opportunity*****
7pm on Monday the 27TH February 2006 at
Polruan Fire Station, Polruan


The Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden and Councillor Paul Adams will be meeting the group of Fire Cadets at Polruan Fire Station on Monday evening.

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 Bude Fire Station a year later, 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 introduced 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
Cadet Instructor Rob Wilson said: “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”

He cont: “Last year the cadets raised money for Children In Need. They also assisted at the Fowey River Triathlon and the money raised was donated to the Cadets by Fowey River Lions. Other supporters of the Cadets include Polruan Sports and Regatta Committee”

The running cost of the 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.

Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden said “The cadet scheme has proved to be very popular and I am delighted that it has now been extended to Polruan. This would not be possible without the support of the Members of the Fire Service who give both their time and effort to make it possible”.

Councillor Paul Adams and Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden will be officially launching the new cadet group on Monday evening. After a welcome address the cadets will be met in a line-up. The cadets will then demonstrate the skills they have learnt in a drill.