Release date: 10 July 2025
Twelve young people have successfully graduated from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Fire Cadet programme, marking the end of a transformative 12-month journey.
Launched in 2024 as part of the service’s Targeted Education programme, Fire Cadets provides young people aged 13 to 16 with an opportunity to develop confidence, life skills, and a deeper understanding of community responsibility through hands-on experience with the fire and rescue service.
Over the last 12 months the cadets have taken part in drills, teambuilding, and social action projects during their weekly sessions at Bognor Regis Fire Station. These activities were all designed to promote resilience, wellbeing, and strong peer relationships, aligned with the service’s Community Risk Management Plan.
As part of their social action work, the cadets raised an incredible £1,700 for the Fire Fighters Charity by completing a challenging 16-mile sponsored walk. They also proudly represented the service at local Pride events and Armed Forces Day, demonstrating their growing commitment to community engagement and civic pride.
Each cadet worked towards the nationally recognised Fire Cadet Award 1 qualification, which celebrates personal growth, commitment, and community contribution. Their efforts culminated in a formal pass out presentation on Tuesday 8 July at Bognor Fire Station, where friends, family, fire service staff, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, gathered to recognise the cadets’ achievements and the inspiring progress they have made.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Dave Bray, and Assistant Chief Officer, Sabrina Pennington-Down, attended the event and presented the young people with their certificates.
Speaking after the event Dave said: “I was delighted to meet our cadets and celebrate their achievements. The dedication and personal growth they have demonstrated over the last 12 months is fantastic and we are incredibly proud of them.
“This programme is about so much more than firefighting, it’s about building confident, capable young people who are connected to their community and ready to make a positive difference.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue also attended and said: “Our Targeted Education Team have done a fantastic job in leading the sessions, supported by operational firefighters and volunteers, to ensure a flexible, inclusive approach is embedded throughout the programme to support every participant’s success.
“I would like to congratulate our Fire Cadets on their achievements, and I hope that this experience has inspired them to consider a career in the fire and rescue service one day.”
People can find out more about West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s youth programmes.
