Bicester gets its own Fire Cadet Unit
The unit at the town's fire station began working with young people at the start of the year and is the sixth of its kind to be run by Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service.
The new cadets will be joined by Chief Fire Officer David Etheridge OBE from 6.30pm on Monday 2 February for the official opening.
What do Fire Cadets do?
Boy and girl cadets meet at fire stations once a week and follow a structured programme of core training activities, delivered by supervisors, many of whom work for the Fire and Rescue Service.
These include sessions about water awareness; being taught first aid and attending fire drills. They also learn about the science behind fire and experience rescue techniques.
Cadets can also be given the opportunity to take part in other activities and camps at weekends and during school holidays.
Beneficial work
Cadets are able to use their work as evidence under the skills section for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. An annual awards night involving all of the units takes place where Mr Etheridge gives out the Cadet of the Year and Most Improved Cadet of the Year accolades.
He said: "Our cadets scheme is in its 22nd year and really does help improve the future prospects of many young people as well as enhancing Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service's already strong bond with local communities.
"It is fantastic that a new cadet unit is now operational in Bicester and I look forward to meeting the young people involved."
The cadet scheme was started in 1993 and also has units in Banbury, Kidlington, Oxford, Watlington and Witney.
Those interested in finding out more can contact their local fire station; call 01865 842999; visit www.365alive.co.uk; send an email to fire.cadets@oxfordshire.gov.uk or write to:
Fire Cadet Co-ordinator
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service HQ
Sterling Road
Kidlington
OX5 2DU