Fire Cadets honour fallen firefighters at national service

Cumbrian Fire Cadets joined peers from across the UK to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the course of their duties.

Representing the UK Fire Cadets programme at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens in Staffordshire, three cadets from Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington units represented Cumbria and joined members of the fire and rescue service, bereaved families, and colleagues from across the sector in the Firefighters Memorial Trust’s Annual Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony.

The annual event, which took place this year on Monday 7 September, is one of the most significant dates in the fire and rescue service calendar and provides an opportunity to reflect on the courage, commitment and sacrifice of those who served their communities.

The service, organised by the Firefighters Memorial Trust, began in the Aspects Building at the Remembrance Gardens before participants proceeded to the Firefighters Memorial Garden for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Firefighters Monument.

Participation in the Service of Remembrance is a long-standing tradition for UK Fire Cadets, with young people travelling from across the country each year to pay their respects and represent the next generation of the UK fire and rescue service family.

About 30 cadets take part in the service and wreath laying, demonstrating the values of respect, service and remembrance that sit at the heart of the Fire Cadet programme.

Lauren Woodward, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Executive Fire Cadet Lead, said:

“It is a tremendous honour for our Fire Cadets to take part in the Annual Service of Remembrance.

“The event provides a powerful opportunity for young people to learn about the history and traditions of the fire and rescue service, while paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“It makes me incredibly proud of the young people involved in the programme.”

The UK Fire Cadets programme supports thousands of young people across the UK, helping them develop confidence, teamwork, leadership and life skills through activities within their local fire and rescue services.

Alongside events such as the National Fire Cadet Games, the UKRO Fire Cadet Casualty Care Challenge and the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade, the Annual Service of Remembrance provides cadets with the opportunity to represent their communities at a national event and honour the service and sacrifice of others.

To find out more about becoming joining the UK Fire Cadets in Cumbria, visit cumbriafire.gov.uk/fire-cadets