Fire Cadets wear unique fire hose poppies to remember the fallen at Cenotaph 

Fire Cadets from across the UK joined the nation in remembrance at London’s Cenotaph, wearing handmade poppies crafted from retired fire hose as they paid tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. 

Around 30 Fire Cadets from across the UK took part in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday (8 November), proudly representing the fire and rescue service at one of the country’s most significant acts of remembrance. 

The cadets were joined by Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), who stood alongside senior fire officers at the Cenotaph to pay his respects to those who have served and sacrificed. 

Drawn from fire and rescue services across the UK, the young people joined representatives from organisations across the country for the national commemorations in Whitehall. 

In a special tribute, the cadets wore handmade poppies crafted from retired fire hose by Fire Cadets from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The unique poppies provided a poignant connection between remembrance and the fire and rescue service community. 

The National Service of Remembrance commemorates British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women who served in the two world wars and later conflicts. 

For the Fire Cadets taking part, the parade marked the culmination of a memorable residential weekend in London. Cadets from across the UK had the opportunity to build new friendships, learn more about remembrance and meet fellow cadets from different communities before representing the fire and rescue service at the Cenotaph. 

Lauren Woodward, NFCC Executive Fire Cadet Lead, said:

“Taking part in the Cenotaph Parade was a tremendous honour for our Fire Cadets and an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. 

“It gave these young people an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of others while representing the fire and rescue service with pride, dignity and respect. 

“Once again, I was incredibly impressed by the professionalism, maturity and commitment shown by our cadets. They did themselves, their fire and rescue services and the wider UK Fire Cadets programme extremely proud.” 

Darcie Parrott, 16, a Fire Cadet from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, was selected to lead the UK Fire Cadets contingent. She said: 

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a real honour to lead the UK Fire Cadets contingent at the Cenotaph Parade and pay my respects to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. 

“Being a Fire Cadet has helped me build confidence, make new friends and learn valuable skills. I was incredibly proud to represent my fire and rescue service and Fire Cadets from across the UK on such an important occasion. 

“Wearing a poppy made from retired fire hose made the day even more meaningful. It was a powerful reminder of the connection between remembrance and the fire and rescue service community.” 

NFCC would like to thank FireHawk Safety Products for generously sponsoring part of the residential weekend and helping make this special experience possible for our Fire Cadets. 

The Remembrance Sunday parade is one of several national events in which UK Fire Cadets participate. 

Through activities including skills competitions, leadership opportunities and community projects, Fire Cadets helps young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication skills while making a positive contribution to their communities. 

The National Fire Chiefs Council’s UK Fire Cadets programme brings together Fire Cadet units from fire and rescue services across the UK, supporting young people to gain valuable life skills, build confidence and explore opportunities for personal and professional development. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

• Around 30 Fire Cadets from fire and rescue services across the UK participated in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday 8 November 2026. 

• The National Service of Remembrance commemorates British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts. 

• The cadets wore handmade poppies crafted from retired fire hose by Fire Cadets from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. 

• UK Fire Cadets is a national youth engagement programme supported by fire and rescue services across the UK.