Chief fire officer joins latest Firebreak squad

03/03/2026

Cambridgeshire’s chief fire officer donned his fire kit to join the latest squad of young people taking part in Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s inspiring Firebreak youth intervention programme. 

Matthew Warren joined the students from Neale Wade Academy for a day during their intensive week-long course, which combines classroom-based learning with practical activity to provide a positive alternative learning environment. 

Firebreak courses are attended by young people that may be struggling to achieve within the traditional education framework. They develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed by challenging themselves, in a supportive environment, to develop teamwork and relationship building skills.  

This course, delivered at March Fire Station, saw the group of ten young people engage with firefighters to carry out a number of different fire ground activities. Matthew joined the team and put his skills to the test, including ladder drills and casualty care. 

Matthew said: “Firebreak is one of the things that our service delivers that I am exceptionally proud of. Seeing the positive impacts that our colleagues have on vulnerable young people is really humbling. 

“Groups come to the station on day one of Firebreak with a range of vulnerabilities and challenges, many with low confidence and self-esteem. By the time they reach the end of the week they have overcome fears and grown as people through working as a team. It is so inspiring to see how our colleagues inspire young people to go on and achieve so much during the course.” 

The course culminated with a pass out parade, where the group demonstrated their skills through a drill yard exercise in front of invited guests and dignitaries. They were also presented with their certificates for the various qualifications they attain during the course by Matthew. 

He concluded: “I was delighted to be able to spend time with this group and present them with their certificates. Seeing the culmination of their hard work over the week at the pass out ceremony, in front of their teachers and family members, was fantastic. They have all done exceptionally well and have gained skills that can help them for life. They should all be extremely proud of themselves.”