Bombala Rural Fire Service Group Captain John Reed (left) has led the cadet training program for 15 years. Photo: Bombala RFS.
In a ceremony that celebrated courage, teamwork and community service, 17 Bombala High School students have officially graduated from the NSW Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program – marking a proud step toward the future of firefighting in the Snowy Monaro region.
The Year 9 students completed the program over three intensive days at the Bombala Fire Control Centre where they were introduced to the fundamentals of bush firefighting, emergency response and fire safety.
Understanding fire science and behaviour, the practicalities of pumping and hydraulics, importance of communications and the basics of firefighting operations led them to involvement in practical scenarios, including simulated emergency scenarios designed to challenge and prepare them for real-world conditions.
It also taught students what it means to work as a team.
But beyond the practical skills, the course aimed to light a fire of community spirit in its participants and that mission seems well and truly accomplished.
This year marks the 15th time the cadet program has been run at Bombala High School, thanks to the dedication of long-serving local RFS group captain John Reed and his team of committed RFS volunteers.
What started with just a handful of interested students has grown into a much-anticipated opportunity, with most of the year level now enthusiastically putting their hands up to become involved.
The graduating cadets received their certificates of completion from RFS Snowy Monaro district manager Superintendent Jim Durant during a ceremony at the school this week.
“As well as examining fire behaviour, the participants have learned essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work emergency services do every day across the state,” Superintendent Durant told attendees.
He described the program as a powerful way for young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“It teaches young people about the important contribution volunteer firefighters make, provides them with firefighting skills and knowledge and instils values such as teamwork, leadership and confidence,” he said.
Superintendent Durant encouraged the cadets to continue their journey by joining their local brigade and completing full training to become operational members.
“We look forward to seeing each of you transition to operational membership with your respective local rural fire brigade,” he added.
The ceremony carried added significance for Group Captain Reed who this year marks his final year as coordinator.
“It went from a few interested students in the beginning to now most of the classes wanting to participate,” Captain Reed said.
“As rewarding as this role is, given the increase in coordination requirements, it’s time to hand the baton across to the next member and spend a bit more time around home.”
Superintendent Durant thanked Captain Reed for his long-standing commitment and also acknowledged the support of Bombala High School, in particular school cadet coordinator Donna Shelley.
He also praised the many RFS volunteers from surrounding brigades who delivered the training under Captain Reed’s leadership.
“It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm for this program,” he said. “It’s a real community effort, and one we’re extremely proud of.”
