Fire cadet supervisor's 20 years of service marked with award

Dave Rideout, who began his involvement with the town's fire cadet unit as a cadet shortly after it was established by Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service in 1993, has taught hundreds of 12 to 18-year-olds in his current role.

An asset to the Fire and Rescue Service

He was presented with the award to mark his milestone by Simon Furlong, Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, at Witney Fire Station in the presence of family, colleagues and past and present fire cadets on Monday 23 March.

Mr Furlong said: "I was delighted to present the award to such a dedicated member of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

"David is seen as an asset to the Service; he has helped and continues to support the younger people in our community to develop the core values that will stay with them throughout their lives.

"The event was a very humbling experience and one which I was proud to be part of."

What do cadet units do?

Boy and girl cadets across Oxfordshire meet at six local 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.

The cadet scheme was started in 1993 and also has units in Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Oxford and Watlington.

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