Adam Cousins wants to become a firefighter when he leaves college: “I didn’t know how to get started but one of my high school tutors gave me a leaflet about joining the fire cadets. When I applied we had to show teamwork skills, confidence and maturity but I didn’t think I would get in because there were a lot of applications. Luckily I did though.”
When not studying at Hugh Baird College, Cousins, who is 17 and from Liverpool, volunteers several times a week with Merseyside fire and rescue service. “I’ve been a cadet for over two years and I really enjoy it,” he says. “I’m hoping when I’m 18 I’ll be able to get a job as a firefighter. It’s not guaranteed after being a cadet but I hope my experience will help.”
Alongside being a cadet, Cousins works at the heritage and education centre as well as trying to improve road safety: “The centre is a museum with a collection of vintage fire engines and a detailed history of the fire service. We go to different show grounds such as Southport air show and take a water shoot game with us where kids can have a go using a fire hose. One boy was in a wheelchair and I helped him and his dad get his chair over the mud so he could play. It’s a great way for me to engage with people from different age groups and speak to them about volunteering.
“I was also chosen to become a road safety ambassador – the only one from the fire cadets. As part of our work we go to different colleges and schools and give presentations on staying safe on the road. As a cadet me and my unit focus on engaging in social action. We’ve organised car washes and visited nursing homes to play bingo with the residents. It’s the small things that make a difference in a community.”
Seeing others volunteering inspired Cousins to do the same: “I saw people helping out packing bags in supermarkets, volunteering as police officers, for the ambulance services and other cadet programmes. I wanted to do the same for my local community in as many different ways as possible.
“I like getting involved and helping people in need. Working with the fire and rescue service in particular is about about keeping communities in Merseyside safe. It’s important to try and help improve people’s lives when it comes to fire prevention and keep local communities strong. There aren’t many firefighters to cover where I live and I want to help in any way I can.”
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