During their time with YFA, members have the opportunity to promoted to either a Leading Young Firefighter (LYFF) or a Sub Officer (SubO). But this is a position of responsibility, and climbing the ladder of success does not just come with age.

Weekly drill nights open and close with parade which is a key element for the members discipline to be built upon. Parade is run by the SubO and three LYFF's  under the watchful eye of the instructors.
 

The Selection Process

Any member can apply to become a LYFF, providing there is a current vacancy and that they have passed the promotional exam. Applications must be made in writing to the Officer in Charge (OiC), who, along with the other instructors, will review the suitability of the applicant.  The applicants experience, respect, responsibility and attitude will all be looked at at this stage.

If the applicant matches the criteria, the final stage of selection involves a formal interview with the OiC and other members of the instructor team.

The selection process is the same for the post of SubO, but applicants are restricted to current LYFF's only.
 

The Promotional Exams

The exam for the Leading Young Firefighter requires that the young person should:

• have a very good knowledge of our area - "A" Division, including the names of current officers, what appliances are at each station and which stations are key stations.
  

• be able to name five different types of fire extinguisher and there uses, and be able to accurately discuss what to do in a variety of scenarios, such as if a persons clothing were on fire, or if a chip pan caught alight.
  

As you would expect, the exam for the Sub Officer requires more from the applicant. The young person should:

• have a knowledge which goes further than just "A" Division, covering questions on the fire service as a whole.
  

• The fire scenario questions become harder and they must show a good understanding of fire safety.
  

The Responsibilities

Once the rank is gained, duties must be carried out successfully. Duties for a LYFF include:

• Be responsible for their individual watch at all times.

• Ensuring members standard of dress & discipline is maintained.

• Monitoring members attendance and punctuality.

• Train and supervise basic marching and parade.

• Pass information to members and represent their views at SubO / LYFF / Instructor Liaison meetings.

• Ensure all areas used by the YFA on a drill night are clean and tidy in conjunction with the duty watch rota.

• Organise activities in conjunction with other LYFF's and the SubO.

• Assist with fundraising activities.

Duties for a SubO are the same as the LYFF with the addition of:

• Be responsible for the performance of all watches and LYFF's.

• Take roll call and oversee parade.

• Fulfill the roll of LYFF if absent.

• Assist with the induction of new members.

• Notify the OiC of members absence of a period of weeks.

• Prepare the duty watch rota.

• Assist in the organisation of public displays.

A Leading Young Firefighter or SubO can be as easily demoted as they were promoted, should their duties not be fulfilled.

Not all members who successfully pass the promotional exams are given a rank.  Those who pass receive a certificate at a presentation evening to recognise their achievements.