Firefighting talent of the future

Above: Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alex Waller, Lara Cook, Cullum Humphries, Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, Councillor Bob Rudd

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service celebrated the talent of the future at an annual event which saw more than 50 Cheshire Fire Cadets in attendance.

The event took place on Saturday 16 February at Saddler Road, Winsford, and saw the Jonni Hughes Cadet of the Year award presented for the first time. The event gives an opportunity to celebrate and reward the achievements of cadets from across the county.

The cadets spent the afternoon attending workshops to help shape the future of the cadet scheme – advising on what they believe works and what potentially needs to change.

They also competed in a ‘rat run’ which consisted of a breathing apparatus crawl. This saw the cadets replicating firefighter breathing apparatus training and Cadet Jack Evans victorious with the fastest time of 34.53 seconds.

The evening saw the cadets joined by their proud families, Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, Councillor Bob Rudd, and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alex Waller to thank them for all their hard work and support throughout the year.

Awards on the day were awarded to:
• Jonni Hughes Cadet of the Year – Callum Humphries from Widnes
• Citizen Cadet of the Year – Matthew Isherwood from Widnes
• Cadet Unit of the Year – Middlewich and Winsford.

Formal ceremonies also took place, one of which was the promotion of the Chief Fire Cadet – the honour going to Lara Cook from Widnes.

This is an important role which Lara will take on representing Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Fire Cadets at formal functions and events, both regionally and nationally.

Cadets who completed their young leaders in action course were also given their certificates.

Youth Development Manager Vicky Wrest said: “The day gave our young people the chance to meet up with fellow cadets from other units, and after formalities were completed, a bit of friendly competition. Lara was awarded the title of Chief Fire Cadet and presented with her role markings in front of her fellow cadets. This was a great opportunity for the younger cadets to see what they could achieve in the future.

“It is really important to recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of our cadets and this was a great opportunity to do that – it was a fantastic day had by all. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteer cadet staff who help run the cadet programme. Without their support and commitment none of this would have been possible. They truly are invaluable to the fire service.”