Members of the Bow Island Fire Department are seen. The department is one of two that have partnered with Prairie Rose Public Schools for the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy that will start in the fall of 2023. (Supplied Image Prairie Rose Public Schools)

By Chris Brown

Partnering with County, Bow Island departments

Prairie Rose announces firefighter training academy for Grades 11 and 12

Feb 22, 2023 | 2:31 PM

DUNMORE, AB – Prairie Rose Public Schools students with dreams of becoming a firefighter will be able to start on that path at the same time they’re learning English, math and other typical high school studies.

The school division announced its newest academy program today, the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy. Beginning this fall, the class will be available to students in Grades 11 and 12 at Senator Gershaw School in Bow Island and Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore.

Students in the year-round academy program will get three days of in-class instruction and two days of off-site, hands-on firefighter training each week. Students will be able to earn their Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications through the two-year program.

“Firefighter training is one of the things we heard from our communities that there is a need and passion,” says Prairie Rose assistant Supt. Boyd Craven. “Academies, like South Alberta Fire Rescue, give students the opportunity to learn about something they are excited about which can further be applied following graduation.”

The Bow Island Fire Department and the Cypress County Fire Department have partnered with Prairie Rose for the program. Training they’ll provide will include fire dynamics, hose operations and streams, forceable entry, building materials and structural collapse, technical rescue support and vehicle extraction operation.

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The South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy joins the South Alberta Hockey Academy and Dove Rozdeba Flight Academy in the Prairie Rose Public Schools system.

The details are still being finalized but fall registrations are being accepted. Anyone with questions can call Craven at 403-527-5516.

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