Next generation of firefighters, first responders complete fire cadet program

High school students got the chance to learn what it takes to be a firefighter. CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti reports.

Twenty high school students are close to completing 10 months as fire cadets with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

“There’s classroom work and there’s hands-on (work).... We do various activities such as ventilation or fire rescue and search and rescue,” explained Grade 11 student Coby.

“We’re doing car fires this week, so we’re all really excited for the life fire.”

The program, for which students can earn up to six high school credits over two semesters, is designed to introduce teens to technical skills like first aid and firefighting, but also teach them about leadership, teamwork and what it’s like to be a firefighter.

Program coordinator Chris Turner estimated about half of students pursue careers in first response, like firefighting and health care, or military.

Coby wants to be a wildland firefighter. A couple years ago, she says a fire nearly burnt down her childhood home near Grand Prairie.

“The firefighters were able to protect the house and protect the area, and I thought that was amazing. I want to do something like that for other people,” she told CTV News Edmonton during Wednesday’s weekly evening class.

Grade 12 student Lexi has her sights set on becoming an astronaut and working for the Canadian Space Agency.

“I’ve gotten to be able to learn how to communicate as a team and as a leader, because we switch up platoons every couple of months and everybody gets to be a platoon leader. And (we) learn how to control your group and your team and how to do tasks together,” Lexi said.

The program’s popularity has more than doubled since it was created 13 years ago. In recent years, Turner has counted an average of 200 applicants. Just 40 are selected to move onto the interview process.

“I would love to expand the program… but there is some logistics that needs to be finalized,” Turner said.

He added, “It’s really good to see the students grow throughout the year (and) see what they can do…. And see them come out of their shells and gain that confidence, mostly in themselves.”

All of the students CTV News Edmonton spoke to said the program was physically demanding, to a surprising extent for some, but rewarding.

“The claustrophobia stuff we did upstairs (was) really tricky. I never thought I’d be claustrophobic, but I was able to work on my breathing and get through it. (That was) really difficult,” said another Grade 12 student and aspiring firefighter, Aiden.

Applications for the next cohort starting in September may be submitted until the end of the month.

Students in Grades 10 through 12 are able to apply.

Those selected for an interview will also be asked to complete a physical fitness test to ensure they can complete the program’s tasks.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall