|
 Chirk
Young Firefighters is a cadet force of around fifteen young Firefighters
which is run from Chirk Fire Station. The instructors, usually with three
attending each drill session. The cadets meet for a drill session between
18:00 hrs — 20:30 hrs on the first three Thursdays of each month, February
to November inclusive. Each drill session is started with a formal parade.
The drill night is used to teach the cadets fire safety and fire service
drills. Some of the drills are simple competition speed drills, and some are
scenarios, using equipment and all the cadets on drill. The cadets use the
equipment and special appliances pumps that front line Firefighters use with
a few exceptions (due to weight and safety implications).
The first Young Firefighters Association branch in Wales was formed in Rhyl
in 1998. The 2nd branch is the Chirk branch and is a credit to the people
involved giving up more of their spare time. As retained Firefighters they
already tolerate heavy commitments to their lifestyles.
On the initial intake we decided we wanted to set up with twelve cadets,
however due to demand, we took on fifteen. This is the average figure. We
also have a spread of male and female cadets.
In the first year the cadets achieved the following:-
-
Six week induction —
culminating in a ‘pass out’ parade and being awarded a certificate.
-
Fire extinguisher
practical training.
-
Certificated First Aid
Course.
-
Competition day with
Rhyl.
-
Open Day at the fire
station in Chirk.
-
Assisted Wrexham Lions
at their annual bonfire.
-
A ‘paintballing’ day
with Rhyl Young Firefighters.
-
A sponsored ladder
climb in aid of ‘Children in Need’.
-
3 days voluntary work
for the National Trust at Chirk Castle.
 Our
aims and Goals for the new millennium:-
Chirk Young Firefighters have a busy time ahead. It is important to note the
support of Kronospan in setting up and the running of this branch of the YFA.
We have the National Young Firefighters competitions. These again are hard
to attend due to extra commitments required from the Instructors and
finances from the Association. However every effort will be made to be able
to offer this opportunity to the cadets.
It is hoped that the cadets will again do some community/voluntary projects,
attend fetes and get involved with charity fundraising. Fundraising for the
cadets own cause is always a priority.
If anybody wishes to help in any way with this Association please contact:
Mr A M Scarratt (Chairman), Chirk Young Firefighters Association, Chirk Fire
Station, Bronywaun, Chirk, Wrexham LLI4 5LS.
May l extend my sincere thanks to all the Instructors for running this
branch, the Fire Brigade personnel who have helped, and all the contributors
to our fundraising. The enthusiasm of the cadets has made this venture most
enjoyable and hope this branch will benefit many youths and the community in
and around Chirk for many years to come.
A.M. Scarratt |
