Leading the way and laying the wreath: Fire Cadets Darcie and Harley prepare for the Cenotaph

Two young female Fire Cadets will take on special roles at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday, representing cadets from across the country as they come together to remember those who have served and sacrificed.

At just 16, Darcie Parrott (left) will have the honour of leading around 30 other Fire Cadets at the Cenotaph Parade in London on Sunday 8 November, while 15-year-old Harley Simpson (right) will step forward to lay a wreath on behalf of UK Fire Cadets.

For both, it will be a proud moment and an experience they are unlikely to forget.

Following in her family’s footsteps

Darcie joined the Sleaford Fire Cadet unit in Lincolnshire just eight months ago, but her connection with the fire and rescue service goes back much further.

Firefighting runs in her family. Her dad, Graeme Parrott, is a retired Leading Firefighter with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, while her brother, Oscar Parrott, is currently an on-call firefighter with the Service. One day, Darcie hopes to follow them into the fire service herself.

“I’ve always had the dream of joining the fire service to follow in my dad and brother’s footsteps. Fire Cadets interested me because it’s a great step towards my dream. It allows me to learn so much about the fire service and be around so many people who have the same dream as me.”

There is an extra special family connection to this year’s parade.

Graeme took part in the Cenotaph Parade in London during his own fire service career. Years later, he will see his daughter follow in his footsteps.

He said: “I’m incredibly proud that Darcie has been given this opportunity. I took part in the Cenotaph Parade in London when I was in the fire service, so it’s very special to see her following in my footsteps and now having the chance to experience it for herself.”

Although Darcie has not been a Fire Cadet for long, she has already embraced the opportunities it offers, learning new skills, pushing herself outside her comfort zone and growing in confidence alongside others who share her passion for the fire service.

Being chosen to lead the UK Fire Cadets contingent will be one of her biggest moments so far.

“I felt incredibly proud and honoured to have been chosen for such an important occasion. I know how much Remembrance Sunday means to so many people, and being able to represent UK Fire Cadets on such a significant day is something I’ll always be grateful for.

“It fills me with pride to wear my uniform and be part of an occasion that honours those who have served and sacrificed so much for us. It’s an opportunity to show the respect we have for them and to represent the dedication, commitment and values of the fire service.”

Stepping forward for UK Fire Cadets

While Darcie leads the contingent, Harley Simpson will have a significant role of her own, stepping forward at the Cenotaph to lay a wreath on behalf of UK Fire Cadets.

Harley, 15, is a member of Cudworth Fire Cadets, part of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. She joined just over a year ago and already has her sights set on becoming a firefighter.

Fire Cadets is helping her develop skills for the future, while also giving her the opportunity to learn alongside others and work as part of a team.

Being selected to lay the wreath came as both a surprise and a huge source of pride.

“When I found out I had been chosen to lay the wreath on behalf of the Fire Cadets at the Cenotaph, I was shocked and really pleased to represent South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on Remembrance Sunday.

“Laying the wreath and representing the Fire Cadets makes me feel really proud of myself and my achievements.”

For Harley, the occasion is first and foremost about remembering those who lost their lives helping to keep others safe.

“On Remembrance Sunday we think about all the people and animals that lost their lives helping to keep us safe,” she said.

A shared symbol of Remembrance

There will also be a special connection between all the cadets taking part.

Fire Cadets from South Yorkshire have made poppies from retired fire hose for each of the cadets to wear during the parade, creating a poignant link between the fire and rescue service and Remembrance.

For Darcie, it brings together two things that mean a great deal to her.

“The Remembrance commemorations are about honouring the people who have made sacrifices for our freedom and never taking that for granted. It’s about remembering not just those who lost their lives, but also those who served, those who returned home and the families who were affected.

“Wearing a poppy made from fire service hose makes the occasion even more meaningful to me. It feels like a real privilege to wear it and represent a service built on courage, commitment and helping others.”

Harley shares that sense of pride.

“I am really proud to wear a poppy made from fire service hose because it’s a way to remember firefighters who have lost their lives.”

Both are looking forward to meeting fellow Fire Cadets from across the country, seeing London and sharing an experience they are unlikely to forget.

But when the moment arrives, their thoughts will be firmly on why they are there.

Harley said: “I’ll be thinking about all the people who lost their lives and hoping I can do them proud.”

For Darcie, there will be nerves as she steps forward to lead the contingent, but also enormous pride.

“I think I’ll feel quite nervous, but also proud. I’ll want to do my unit, the Fire Cadets and the fire service proud. Most importantly, I’ll be reminding myself to take everything in, appreciate the moment and remember why we’re all there, because it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

As Darcie leads the contingent and Harley lays the wreath, both will be representing UK Fire Cadets at one of the country’s most significant acts of Remembrance, while taking another memorable step on journeys they hope will one day lead to careers in the fire and rescue service.