Children from the Brownhill Learning Community learn about firefighting

Station Manager Mark Doggett presented certificates

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Children from the Brownhill Learning Community gained Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) qualifications after a 12-week course hosted by the Fire Team at Rochdale Community Fire Station.

The children demonstrated what they had learnt on the course at a pass out display, including hose running, ladder skills and using hydrants for a healthy crowd of firefighters, school staff, visitors and parents.

The course allowed the children real-life hands on experience of being a firefighter and as part of the pass out they were tasked with tackling a fire on the station yard.

The students also showed off their ladder skills and wore breathing apparatus to rescue a casualty from the tower before one of the children showed the crowd how to perform CPR on the casualty.

The pass out was rounded off with a traditional parade in front of the spectators where each child gave a short speech about what they had learnt over the 12 weeks.

Station Manager Mark Doggett presented each graduate with a certificate to celebrate their achievements and time with the Fire Team.

He said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for these young people to learn about the fire service and gain valuable qualifications. The firefighting skills the group learnt were unique and the 12 weeks have given the young people some fantastic opportunities they have grasped with both hands.”

Youth Engagement Coordinator Matt Walklett added: “This has been a really enjoyable 12 weeks with the young people from Brownhill. It has been fantastic to watch them develop and gain in confidence as the weeks have progressed. This was highlighted with a fantastic pass out parade.

“The support we have had from all staff at Rochdale Community Fire Station has been excellent and we would like to thank SM Doggett for his continued support and guidance with our youth engagement projects in Rochdale.”