Fire Cadets from across Berkshire have been recognised for their hard work and dedication at a special Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
48 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 took centre stage at Whitley Wood Fire Station to demonstrate the new skills they have mastered over the past several months.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) weekly Fire Cadets sessions were held during term-time over the academic year at four of our fire stations across the county – Crowthorne, Maidenhead, Newbury, and Whitley Wood.
It is a national initiative that encourages young people to learn about the role of firefighters, while also developing essential life skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, confidence and leadership.
The Fire Cadets course teaches an exciting range of activities, such as firefighter drills, breathing apparatus procedures, and fire safety awareness sessions – before graduating at our annual Ceremony.
During this year’s Graduation Ceremony, each Cadet Unit showcased the skills they have learnt by performing a variety of drills, which involved fire and rescue scenarios such as responding to a road traffic collision, a fire in a house in multiple occupation, a high-rise building fire, and a fire in a domestic property.
Mark Arkwell, Chief Fire Officer of RBFRS, was in attendance to congratulate each Cadet and mark their completion of the course. Speaking on the event, he said:
“Each year, the Fire Cadets Graduation is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of these young people, and it was an absolute pleasure to attend this Ceremony, witness their growth and celebrate their collective and individual successes.
“The skills the Fire Cadets have learned over the course of the programme will build confidence, leadership, and teamwork – all skills that were nurtured in the fire and rescue service and that I’m sure they will carry with them in the future.
“Congratulations to every Fire Cadet for completing the course – you are a credit to the Service, your families, and most importantly to yourselves.”
One Cadet from each Unit was also given the Cadet of the Year Award, presented by Councillor Paul Gittings, Vice-Chair of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority.
Cllr. Gittings said: “The Fire Cadets is an excellent initiative that equips young people with valuable skills and experiences. 2026’s Fire Cadets have demonstrated their exceptional dedication and growth, and they should be proud of their achievements.”
For more information about Fire Cadets, visit the RBFRS website.