Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service to open new fire cadet unit

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is giving a new opportunity to young people to experience what it's like to be part of an emergency service from today (Monday 26 January), as they invite applications to be part of a new fire cadet unit in Fakenham opening later in the year. 

Norfolk currently has three cadet units based in Diss, Hunstanton and Wymondham, where groups of 13-17-year-olds get a taster of the life of a firefighter by attending weekly drill nights at a fire station. 

Fakenham Fire Station will soon be joining that list, with spaces for 15 fire cadets opening up at a fourth cadet for unit for Norfolk. Expressions of interest for the new Fakenham unit are invited from 13-17-year-olds from across Norfolk from today, with the window closing on Monday 9 February. 

The opening of the new Fakenham unit was thanks to an investment from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as part of a wider £500,000 grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to increase the number of fire cadets nationally. The £28,000 funding for Norfolk was the largest award issued from the grant for a single cadet unit in the UK. 

While serving as a fire cadet, young people are able to learn the practical skills needed to become a firefighter, such as hose running, latter safety and first aid, as well as qualities such as self-discipline, teamwork and citizenship. 

New cadets are given their own uniform when starting and work towards awards during their time on the programme. They also support the service by taking part in community events and often represent Norfolk Fire & Rescue in social events, such as attending the VE Day Celebrations in London last year. 

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "Any investment into young people in this county can only ever be good news, and this new unit represents a marvellous opportunity for young people in Fakenham and further afield. 

"Being a fire cadet teaches you so many great life skills and behaviours, whether you're interested in becoming a firefighter or not. So I hope young people take this opportunity to apply, and take on a challenge that will set them up well for the future." 

Group Manager Terry Pinto oversees the Fire Cadet Programme for Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service. 

He said: "We are immensely proud of our fire cadet programme and of the cadets in all three of our units. 

"Fakenham was the location for the UK's first fire cadet unit in 1984, so reopening this is not just a positive for engaging with young people, but an important nod to our service's heritage. I'd like to thank all the crews and volunteers at Fakenham for their support in securing the funding and getting this up and running. 

"The unit is based in Fakenham but we're welcoming applications from all over the county, so if you know someone aged 13-17 who might want to try something they haven't done before, become part of a team, and learn new some skills, then please encourage them to send us an expression of interest." 

Expressions of interest to join Norfolk Fire Cadets can be made via the cadets page on the Norfolk County Council website: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/cadets