Eleven BackTrack boys are joining the NSW Rural Fire Service as volunteers following a 20 hour cadet training course.
They joined a group of 20 including Year 9/10 students from Armidale High School to complete the introductory course.
“Our boys learned a lot about team work, how to fight fires, about how to use equipment and leadership skills,” said BackTrack Coordinator Bernie Shakeshaft. “They are now really keen to take on further training and join the RFS as volunteers,” he said.
“Their experience helping clean up after the floods in Bonshaw and Mingoola early this year taught them the value of helping out in times of emergency and they want to take this on as a contribution to the community of which they are part.
“The course has been an extremely positive experience for them and they’ve acquired a lot of new skills.”
Deputy Mayor Jim Maher who spoke at the course graduation ceremony said it was an outstanding program.
“It is great to see young people volunteering for such important work in the community,” he said.
“Through this training they are developing skills and understanding which they will need in the field when they are fighting fires and also on a day to day basis.”
RFS Chief Superintendant Lance Rainey reiterated that the training was valuable to create greater general awareness of managing fire and risks of fire as well as an introduction to service in the field.
“It is a good preparation for those to want to take it further and take on further training. The feedback received from the boys from his first course has been very positive.
“It is important for us to start training young fire fighters who will take over in their turn. They are the future of the service.”
BackTrack runs three programs for at risk young people in Armidale – Iron Man Welders, Paws Up dog jumping and AgLads.
