A brand new group of youngsters from Port Talbot have signed up to be the first official Fire Cadets in Wales, supported by Community funding from Tata Steel.
The launch of the new cohort took place at Mid and West Wales’ Fire Service’s Taibach-based fire station where Swansea City footballers Lee Trundle and Angel Rangel also lent their support.
John Phillips, part-time fire fighter and Section Engineer in the Civils department a Port Talbot Works picks up the story: “Over many years we’ve seen youngsters get into trouble because they have little to do, and have no structure in their lives. Not only has this led to incidents of arson, which directly impact on the fire service, but it can be disruptive to the local communities.”
“The Young Fire Fighters course originally started a number of years ago, gets some youngsters interested and teaches practical skills such as home safety and first aid as well as some basic fire fighting skills – and we try to make it all fun and interactive.”
He continues, “The changes we’ve seen in the kids who have stuck with it, have been amazing. It has provided them with some fun, some great friends, and some structure. At the end of two years they can get a formal qualification, too.”
John added that such activities wouldn’t be possible without the support of local companies such as Tata Steel and Swansea City FC’s Community Trust. “I’m very proud to work for Tata Steel, but when you see your
