NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Hunter Valley Membership Services Coordinator John Cox congratulated the group on their completion of the Secondary School Cadet Program.

Mr Cox said the program was the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

“The cadets have completed a 10-week course that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” he said.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the students have been taught essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this state.

“The cadet program also offers students the opportunity to experience firsthand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering.”

Mr Cox said this was the seventh time Muswellbrook High School has offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students.

“It is great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program and I hope it will continue as a permanent fixture in the school curriculum,” Mr Cox said.

“In addition to our NSW RFS members, I would also like to extend a special thanks to the principal and staff from Muswellbrook High School, for helping to make this program such a success.”

Mr Cox also paid tribute to the volunteers and staff from the Hunter Valley District who facilitated the course.

“NSW RFS members thoroughly enjoy working closely with schools and communities to ensure that everyone is as well prepared as possible for the very real threat of fire,” he said.

“The Service is proud to pass on the ideals of community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation.”