The dozen firefighters-in-the-making who opted for a RFS (Rural Fire Service) cadetship as their ‘sport’ activity at Tenterfield High School last term were presented with their certificates at a school assembly on Monday, March 19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
RFS Northern Tablelands district manager Chris Wallbridge stood in for Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, who was understandably detained overseeing efforts to fight the Bega fires at the time, highlighting the importance of the volunteer-based organisation.
Mr Wallbridge said the cadetship was the results of an important partnership between the school, RFS and Tenterfield Shire Council, who was represented by chief executive Terry Dodds and councillor Don Forbes at the ceremony.
He said the students not only gained first hand experience in the use of firefighting equipment, but also learned the importance of working as a team.
“Even those with no intention of becoming firefighters learned some important life skills, as well as receiving a taste of volunteerism.”
One of the recipients was David Cox, who is also involved with the RFS cadetship outside of school and participated in the recent Glen Innes exercises. The 14-year-old is biding his time and honing his skills until he’s old enough to fight fires at 16 (with parental permission).
Also completing the program were Maddie Davey, Ella Wishart, Lascinda Roots, Andrew Townsend, Talen Kelly, Dylan Landon-Beer, Tye Wakelam-Cohn, Jessie Williams, Matthew Savins and Hayley Carpenter.
