The 999 Cadets

Launched in June 2009 and the first of its kind, the 999 Cadets is a joint initiative between Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. The scheme was set up in order to teach young people skills such as team work, citizenship, communication, discipline and the confidence to stand up for what is right.

Through multi-agency working and funded by Safer Communities Torbay, the scheme aims to encourage young people to become positive role models within their peer groups, giving them the opportunity to experience structured discipline, mentoring and valuable life skills.

The scheme has been and continues to be successful on many different levels; one particular member of the cadet squad recently won an award from the Devon and Cornwall Police for displaying leadership and initiative in a time of crisis. Whilst attending an under 18’s disco in Torquay, the young man’s friend fell over and broke his ankle. Our young cadet stayed with him, called an ambulance and the friend’s parents and stayed with him, comforting and reassuring the young friend until his parents arrived later that evening. Motiv8 awards are awarded to youngsters of the bay for a positive contribution to the community.

The initiative which currently operates out of Torquay Fire Station may in the future be expanded to Paignton to meet the high demand of places.

Although initial funding is required to set the various schemes up, the organization is actually self-funding by organizing charity carwashes and helping out at community events, for example. The team has also aided the Trading Standards department with alcohol and firework test purchasing operations, marshalling at the Watcombe Bonfire Party and the Hele Street Party and helping with the running of the Fire Service Open Day.

Police and Fire officer who facilitate the group volunteer their time and have been successful in arranging for other services to deliver training on a volunteer basis also; recently the young cadets received 1st aid training from the ambulance service and have made educational trips up to both Police and Fire headquarters in Middlemoor.

SGT Nick Healey was integral in getting the scheme up and running;

“Our kids all come from different backgrounds, different schools and different ethnicities yet there are no issues amongst them – this is why I give up my time every Thursday; because the scheme is there to build positive communities and positive role models. They come here, work hard, want to learn and are making friends for life at the same time. We are really looking forward to having the capacity to expand and to give more of our kids the opportunity to be part of this experience.

There has been so much interest from other organisations across the country wanting to replicate what we are doing here. I say the more the merrier.”

If you are aged between 13 - 16 years old and would like to join the 999 cadet scheme it is currently full but to be put on a future waiting list please contact Nick Healey for more information about the scheme and current waiting list details.