Junior Wardens visit Fire Station

THE Junior Wardens were treated to a behind-the-scenes look around Barrow fire station in February this year.

As part of the Junior Warden scheme, youngsters from the Central and Hindpool wards got the chance to visit the station, sit inside the fire engines and find out what happens when the alarm sounds for a real emergency.

The children were also set a challenge to come up with a list of rules to stick to when working together as a team.

The Junior Wardens scheme is designed to promote pride in the area and respect for others. Helen Wiggan from Cumbia Fire and Rescue Service is one of the coordinators for the Junior Warden Scheme.

She said: “The scheme was started in 2007 by Mark Roach who is watch manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“The Neighbourhood Wardens play a big part in showing the youngsters how to make where they live a better place to be.

“We first started with only a handful of children willing to give up their spare time to help with environmental problems.The Junior Wardens went on litter picks in the areas where they live. They also learned how to report graffiti and fly-tipping. There was also lots of fun to be had with treasure trails, beach cleans and wildlife expeditions.

“The Junior Warden scheme has gone from strength to strength with a total of 30 children taking part currently. This year will see their hard work pay off when they receive certificates from the John Muir award scheme. The children have been involved in many wildlife projects over the last 12 months to gain this award, including working at the Green Heart Den.

“The Junior Warden programme is now delivered in schools around the Central and Hindpool wards as part of the curriculum.

“Myself and Senior Neighbourhood Warden Andy High co-ordinate the activities, while Neighbourhood Wardens Phil Robson and Paul Zaccarini are always on hand to help.

“One of the first activities the Junior Wardens do when they join is to visit the fire station. They are taken on a tour of the building, learn some first aid and lay down some rules to abide by.

“The 15 children that visited recently loved it and got the chance to try on the uniform, sit in a fire engine and ask questions about what it is like to be a fire fighter.”