At the Freixo Detachment, of the Ponte de Lima Volunteer Firefighters, the passion for firefighting service has been passed down from generation to generation. Twenty-five years ago, Patrícia Alves became one of the first female firefighters of this structure, joining at 18 years old, when it was created. Today, her eldest son, Pedro, 13 years old, participates in the School for Juniors and Cadets, continuing a family tradition that also includes Patrícia's husband as a firefighter.
Patrícia Alves expressed great satisfaction in seeing her son follow the same path, noting that he grew up immersed in this environment since he was in her womb. The School for Juniors and Cadets was created precisely to give the children of operational personnel the opportunity to participate in the life of the corps. Patrícia believes this experience has contributed to her son's personal growth, teaching him values, knowledge, and attitudes useful for the future, regardless of whether he continues in the fire department or not.
Pedro joined the school at 10 years old and revealed that he wants to be a firefighter in the future, inspired by his parents. During the demonstration held at the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the detachment, the young boy overcame obstacles, handled hoses, and practiced victim transport, activities that are part of the school's training program.
The deputy commander of the Ponte de Lima Volunteer Firefighters, Mónica Nogueira, explained that the School for Juniors and Cadets is one of the projects developed to bring the community closer to the firefighters' cause and instill the spirit of service from an early age, showing that firefighters' work goes far beyond the fire season.
