Cheshunt teenagers achieve Royal award
08/04/2010
Young people from Goffs School, Cheshunt, in partnership with Youth Connexions Hertfordshire, have been learning firefighting skills at Cheshunt Fire Station – all in aid of a royal award.
Twelve teenagers completed the ten week course as part of the Bronze level of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The project is organised by Youth Connexions Hertfordshire, and firefighters from Red Watch at Cheshunt Fire Station, both departments are part of Hertfordshire County Council.
The course aims to provide young people with meaningful activities in their spare time and teach them basic fire fighting skills, first aid and arson prevention.
Using the hose reels
They were presented with their certificates by Group Commander Trevor Bassett, in a special event at the fire station.
Liz Craig, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Officer for Youth Connexions Hertfordshire said: “The young people really benefit from spending time with the firefighters and learning about their work. They especially enjoy the practical demonstrations and activities. Firefighters at Cheshunt station have been really supportive of the project and are always keen to get involved and share their invaluable knowledge. Many of the young people have said they would like to join the fire service." 
Rescuing a dummy from a smoke filled room
During the course the young people took part in activities including practising hose running, using cutting equipment on cars and other firefighting skills such as search and rescue using breathing apparatus in a simulated smokehouse setting. They also learnt about first aid, fire safety, and the importance of escape plans and the dangers of chip pans.
Alan Wolfe, Watch Commander of Red Watch at Cheshunt Fire Station, said: “This is such a great partnership. Both Hertfordshire’s Youth Connexions and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are committed to improving outcomes for younger people.
“These students have given up their spare time to achieve this award and I am sure that their time learning new skills will benefit them greatly.”