A teenage fire cadet has been hailed a hero after coming to the aid of an elderly man who had fallen in the street.
Lennon Bates, 17, was walking home in Throckley when he was approached by two boys who said a man was injured in the area of Mount Pleasant and Tilmouth Park Road and needed help. Arriving at the scene, Lennon discovered that the man had fallen onto the pavement and had been left disorientated and confused.
Lennon, who has been a fire cadet with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for more than four years, put his specialist training to good use and stayed calm while reassuring the patient at all times. He introduced himself to the elderly gentleman and assessed if the man was seriously injured.
READ MORE: Former Royal Marine completes marathon while pulling Land Rover in extreme challenge in Tynemouth
"I asked the man some general questions like what day of the week it was and if he remembered where he lived," he said. "It became apparent after that conversation that he’d require some sort of medical assistance.”
The young cadet was joined by a passing paramedic who was walking his dog accompanied by his wife. They ensured that the man was in a comfortable condition and waited for the attendance of the North East Ambulance Service.
Lennon, who attends fire cadets at West Denton Community Fire Station, added: “I was relieved when the ambulance came along as it meant that the man would be in safe hands and getting professional help. It felt good to know I was able to help someone who couldn’t help themselves.”
In recognition of his efforts, Lennon was honoured with a special Area Manager’s Commendation in of his family and fellow cadets. The teenager, who is currently doing an apprenticeship with Newcastle City Council's Highways team, said: "I’d love one day to become a firefighter and serve my local community so my advice to any young person considering becoming a fire cadet would be – go for it as it will be one of the best choices that you’ll ever make.”
Richie Rickaby, Area Manager of Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are super proud of our fire cadets. Especially in the way that they go about continuing to represent the fire service even in their own time outside of the fire stations.
“Lennon is an asset to the fire service and an asset to the local community as his unselfish actions embody everything that being a young fire cadet is all about. Well done Lennon!”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are urging anyone aged between 11 and 17 years old who would like to become a fire cadet to get in touch. The service runs four weekly cadet groups across various community fire stations throughout Tyne and Wear including Marley Park (Monday), West Denton (Tuesday), Tynemouth (Wednesday), and South Shields (Thursday). They take place between 6pm and 8pm.
For more information and to apply visit: www.twfire.gov.uk/about-us/community-engagement/fire-cadets
READ NEXT:
- Teenage arsonists making life hell for Gateshead residents meet firefighters to face consequences
- Canadian firefighter travels over 3,000 miles to visit Newcastle fire station in honour of heroic Geordie grandad
- Northumbria Police, BT and Go North East - Hundreds of jobs up for grabs at Newcastle careers fair in St James' Park
- Inside Newcastle's newest cocktail bar Pepo as Horticulture to open sister venue with secret entrance
- Look around Botanist Newcastle's new rooftop terrace with DJ booth and outdoor bar after major revamp
