About Us - Cricklade and Ludgershall

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service sponsors and runs two fire cadet units, giving boys and girls aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to work with Fire & Rescue Service equipment and learn to work together as a team. It will give them an adventurous outlook on life and a sense of purpose in preparing for the future.

The units are run weekly by serving firefighters and officers with around 15 cadets and follow the FRS's role structure for leadership control. The cadets are instructed in the proper use of Fire & Rescue Service equipment and encouraged to practice as much as possible. In order for them to understand how the Fire & Rescue Service works they also learn technical information relating to Fire Service equipment and procedures and in many other aspects of Fire & Rescue Service work.

The cadets carry out training each week at an operational fire station , and are provided with uniform and appropriate protective clothing shown in the photo gallery pages . Red helmets are provided so they can be clearly identified at FRS events such as fetes and open days. They attend open days on stations, and at Westlea they carried out a display drill. Recently the training has taken a more in-depth approach , where they attended a chemical exercise. Not all training sessions are carried out in daylight and the clothing they are provided with makes it easier to see where they are.

They often use hose, hydrants and sometimes carry breathing apparatus on their backs for experience. Besides training, the units visit other stations, the FRS control room and training centre. They also take part in other activities, such as wall climbing, indoor skiing, navigation exercises, cycling and survival training. Many more activities will be arranged in the future, including exchange visits and national camps, and some cadets carry out work experience with the Fire & Rescue Service during their last years at school. Others have attended a basic first aid training course by a paramedic, all of which is funded by the FRS, donations and subscriptions.

Some of the training sessions are shown in the photographs in these web pages, and these activities the cadets take part in require the discipline of an organisation such as this, so there are rules to be obeyed.

From time to time cadets leave , providing opportunities for new recruits. If you wish to become a fire cadet with Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, have parental consent and be able to make your way to the activities at the unit in either Cricklade or Ludgershal, and it is advisable that you live within 20miles or so of one of our venues. If you live outside of Wiltshire and Swindon, you may find other Fire and Rescue Services run Cadet units , and it may be better for you to contact them directly.

Tomake enquiries about joining the Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service Cadets telephone Fire & Rescue Service headquarters at Potterne on 01380 731170 and leave a message with reception. You must be at least 13 years old and not reached your 16th birthday, and be prepared to wear a smart uniform provided by the FRS . You will have to leave the day before your 18th birthday, and all uniform and equipment must be returned to the unit you joined. The Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunity Organisation and welcomes all boys and girls. Fire Cadets meet at Cricklade Fire Station on Wednesday evenings and at Ludgershall Fire Station on Thursday Evenings..