Richard Alley, a Year 11 student at Yass High School, has been named the 2013 NSW Rural Fire Service Cadet of the Year through a rigorous state-wide process.
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Richard and Yass High principal Sandra Hiscock were presented with trophies and certificates by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres, and NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons at a ceremony in Parliament House in Sydney on May 14..
The award acknowledged Richard’s development of confidence and skills as a cadet, his encouragement of and support for his peers, his commitment to his local brigade at Murrumbateman and his achievement as an exemplary role model and leader for younger students coming through the RFS Cadet Programme which runs on Wednesday afternoons for Year 9 to 11 volunteers at Yass High School.
Students don RFS uniforms, operate as a structured unit and develop a valuable sense of belonging to an important community organisation. They receive detailed practical instruction in fire fighting strategies, the use of equipment and in supporting each other through teamwork from experienced RFS instructors from district brigades as well as police emergency response coordinators, whose combined input is invaluable.
Local and regional RFS representatives and Richard’s family attended the ceremony in Sydney and enjoyed a VIP reception and tour of Parliament House, meeting a number of ministers including local MP Katrina Hodgkinson. It was an exceptionally proud moment for Richard, the school, the community and especially the Alley family who have a long tradition of strong RFS involvement.
Contributed.
