Fire Cadets celebrate as months of dedication and commitment pay off
Proud families applauded as Fire Cadets completed months of training with an outstanding display of firefighting skills, teamwork and confidence at their Passing Out Parade.
Held at Southend Fire Station, the event marked the end of a 40-week programme for cadets aged 13 to 17, designed to build practical fire service knowledge, as well as leadership, teamwork, and personal confidence.
The Passing Out Parade featured live demonstrations including hose running, ladder pitching, first aid, and search and rescue drills - offering families, friends, and fire service colleagues a clear view of how far the cadets have come since embarking on the course.
Following their brilliant display, Dave Bond, Area Manager for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, praised the Southend cadets for their dedication, commitment and determination: “The skills you’ve learned - leadership, communication and teamwork transfer into anything you choose to do.
"You’ve shown those in absolute abundance. Hold on to that, because you’ve proved this year that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
The cadets are part of the Essex Fire Cadet Programme, a nationally-recognised three-year scheme that gives young people a unique insight into the fire and rescue service while helping them develop transferable life skills.
The programme runs across seven units in Essex and is open to all young people aged 13 to 17 who live or go to school in the county.
Throughout the year, cadets take part in both hands-on training and classroom-based learning, covering a wide range of topics including the science of fire, breathing apparatus procedures, control room operations, and community safety.
The programme includes clear progression through three tiers - Bronze/Year 1, Silver/Year 2 and Gold/Year 3 - and many cadets also work towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards alongside their fire service training, gaining valuable experience in leadership, communication, and resilience.
A key moment of the evening was the presentation of Cadet of the Year to Brooke Sadler, who was recognised for her dedication, teamwork, and consistent support for others.
Brooke, who has now completed the Silver tier of the cadet programme, said: "I've really enjoyed it. I have learned so much about practical firefighting skills and I have made a good group of friends from it."
Brooke now plans to move on to the final Gold tier, where she hopes to complete her Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Her father, Rob Sadler, said the programme had made a lasting impact: “Brooke has grown in confidence, developed real leadership skills, and pushed herself to try things she wouldn’t have done before. I'm incredibly proud.”
Steve Bonsor, Lead Instructor, also thanked Cadet Instructors and support staff who have led the programme with such commitment and care for the young people taking part.
To find out more, visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/fire-cadets
