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Macclesfield Fire Cadets will officially reopen this March, giving young people aged 12–17 the chance to develop practical firefighting skills, confidence and valuable life experience. To mark the relaunch, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is hosting an open night at Macclesfield Fire Station from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday 3 March, inviting families to tour the station, meet the team and find out how to get involved.
The reopening has been made possible thanks to a national grant awarded through the NFCC Fire Cadets and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the Uniformed Youth Fund. The grant has enabled the Service to expand its youth engagement programme across Cheshire, with new units already established in Knutsford and Congleton and Macclesfield completing the expansion.
This funding has supported the expansion of the Service’s youth engagement programme across the county, opening three units in Knutsford, Congleton and Middlewich. With the Knutsford and Congleton units already up and running, Macclesfield is now ready to complete the expansion. The funding has been used to provide essential equipment for both Fire Cadets and Volunteer Cadet Leaders, ensuring the recruits have everything they need for safe, high-quality and engaging training sessions.
"This funding allows us to provide a top-tier experience for young people in Macclesfield, teaching them teamwork and resilience while being supported by our operational crews and volunteers," says Jason McTigue, Cadet Manager. "We are thrilled to bring the program back to Macclesfield and look forward to welcoming a new generation of cadets who are ready for a challenge.”
The Cheshire Fire Cadets scheme gives local teenagers a unique insight into the fire and rescue service, providing them with a platform for progressive training and adventurous pursuits in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment. Cadets learn essential firefighting skills - including hose drills, ladder safety, and first aid - while developing vital life skills including teamwork, leadership, and self-discipline.
The Service is currently looking to recruit 14 Fire Cadets, aged between 12 and 17, and 3 Volunteer Cadet Leaders for the new Macclesfield cohort.
The open evening will include “show and tell” demonstrations, tours of the station and fire appliances, and opportunities to handle specialist equipment used by operational crews. Staff will be available throughout the night to answer questions and discuss the commitment and rewards involved in joining the programme.
Registration for attendance at the open night is encouraged. To register your interest, or for more information, please email jason.mctigue@cheshirefire.gov.uk or call 07817 691030.