Halstead Cadets blaze a trail at Passing Out Parade

Halstead Cadets Essex County Fire and Rescue Service passing out parade

Proud cadets at their passing out parade at Halstead fire station

Halstead’s first Fire Cadets made history as they demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork and resilience at a Passing Out Parade supported by families and friends.

The event, held at Halstead Fire Station, marked the end of a 40-week training programme for the cadets – the first team to graduate from the town’s new Fire Cadet unit, which opened last year.

The unit was established with the support of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to offer young people aged 13 to 17 the chance to gain practical skills, confidence, and insight into the fire and rescue service.

Throughout the year, cadets took part in weekly sessions combining hands-on training and classroom-based learning.

Their final evening featured live demonstrations of hose running, ladder pitching, first aid, and team scenarios – all delivered in front of families, friends, and fire service colleagues.

Tony Claydon, Lead Instructor at Halstead, said: “This group of cadets has set the standard for what a new unit can achieve.

"They’ve grown in confidence, worked incredibly hard, and built real friendships along the way. I’m proud of every one of them – and of the brilliant team who’ve supported them throughout the year.”

Several awards were presented during the evening. Charlie Davison received the Cadets’ Choice Award, voted for by his peers.

Ruby Silvester was awarded the Progress Award. James Clarke was named Instructor of the Year for his outstanding support to the unit.

Guests included Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Rick Hylton, John Mansfield from the Worshipful Company of Firefighters and Emily Cheyne-Guess, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Engagement at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

The Halstead Fire Cadets unit is supported by a dedicated group of instructors and leaders: Anthony Claydon (Lead), Tom Easter, James Clarke, Steve Byrne, Benjamin Truss, Brandon-Lee Noble, Dave Foster, Matt Savage, Steve Derrick, Steve Hill, Amir Williamson, Aileen Wilson, and Christina Prior.

The Essex Fire Cadet Programme is a nationally recognised, three-year scheme open to all young people aged 13 to 17 who live or go to school in Essex.

The programme includes clear progression through three tiers – Bronze (Year 1), Silver (Year 2), and Gold (Year 3) – and many cadets also work toward their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards alongside their fire service training, gaining valuable experience in leadership, communication, and resilience.