UK Fire Cadets Honour Fallen Firefighters at National Service of Remembrance 

Around 30 young people from fire and rescue services across the UK came together on Monday 7 September to take part in the Firefighters Memorial Trust’s Annual Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens in Staffordshire.  

Representing the UK Fire Cadets programme, the cadets joined members of the fire and rescue service, bereaved families, and colleagues from across the sector to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the course of their duties. The annual event is one of the most significant dates in the fire and rescue service calendar and provides an opportunity to reflect on the courage, commitment and sacrifice of those who served their communities.  

The service, organised by the Firefighters Memorial Trust, began at midday in the Aspects Building at the Remembrance Gardens before participants proceeded to the Firefighters Memorial Garden for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Firefighters Monument.  

Participation in the Service of Remembrance is a long-standing tradition for UK Fire Cadets, with young people travelling from across the country each year to pay their respects and represent the next generation of the UK fire and rescue service family. Around 30 cadets take part in the service and wreath laying, demonstrating the values of respect, service and remembrance that sit at the heart of the Fire Cadet programme.  

Lauren Woodward, National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Executive Fire Cadet Lead, said: 

“It is a tremendous honour for our Fire Cadets to take part in the Annual Service of Remembrance. The event provides a powerful opportunity for young people to learn about the history and traditions of the fire and rescue service, while paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. 

“This year’s service was especially meaningful as two of our Fire Cadets from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service took part in the ceremony by reading the Firefighter’s Prayer. It is a privilege for them to contribute in such a significant way and demonstrates the respect and maturity shown by Fire Cadets across the UK. It makes me incredibly proud of the young people involved in the programme.” 

NFCC was represented by Vice Chair Rick Hylton, who laid a wreath on behalf of the organisation. 

The UK Fire Cadets programme supports thousands of young people across the UK, helping them develop confidence, teamwork, leadership and life skills through activities within their local fire and rescue services. Alongside events such as the National Fire Cadet Games, the UKRO Fire Cadet Casualty Care Challenge and the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade, the Annual Service of Remembrance provides cadets with the opportunity to represent their communities at a national event and honour the service and sacrifice of others.  

Notes to editors 

• The Firefighters Memorial Trust Annual Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony took place on Monday 7 September 2026 at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens (formerly National Memorial Arboretum), Alrewas, Staffordshire.  

• Around 30 UK Fire Cadets from across UK fire and rescue services, including Kent, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Cumbria, Merseyside, and Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, participated in the service and wreath laying.  

• UK Fire Cadets is a national youth engagement programme supported by fire and rescue services across the UK, helping young people develop skills, confidence and resilience through a range of educational and community activities.