Fire Rescue Academy students learning from firefighters at Cypress County Dunmore Fire Station

By Lisa Parent

Fire Rescue Academy igniting spark in students to follow unique career path

Sep 15, 2023 | 4:41 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Prairie Rose Public School Division has kickstarted a new program. The South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy provides students with the opportunity to earn their firefighter one and two certifications upon graduation. It aims to give students hands-on experience with equipment at the fire hall, paving the way for a potential future career path.

Judah Kurpjuweit graduated last year, but was lucky enough to be invited into the program this year with Eagle Butte and Senator Gershaw students.

“I was able to talk to them because I just graduated and I saw that this course was available. I was like, ‘oh man, I want to do this so bad.’ This is the career path I want to go down,” explained Kurpjuweit.

Monday to Wednesday, the grade 11 and 12 students are in a classroom where they acquire their physical education and career and technology modular credits. Thursday and Friday, the students go to the Cypress County Dunmore Fire Hall, where they roll up their sleeves and learn how to be a part of a firefighting crew with their classmates.

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“One of my favorite things about it is the brotherhood and the community. I think that’s really, really awesome. But more so the community aspect, being able to help out, kind of be like a role model towards other people,” said Kurpjuweit.

Emergency services coordinator Jason Linton says the program will help the fire hall find new recruits, which can be difficult in rural areas. Linton says the students are trained the same as a volunteer firefighter would, with the same certification.

“This is very unique. It’s very important to us and we’re excited to do it and have them join as volunteer firefighters and watch them work as a team and grow as a team and bond as a team,” mentioned Linton.

Some of the skills learned include first aid training and how the students can protect themselves in hazardous environments. Vice principal Foran says students have been expressing interest in a program like this for a while.

“The interest level for our grade ten students has been pretty overwhelming so far. I know a lot of students are interested in getting into the program next year, so it will definitely grow and it’ll expand,” said Foran. “We’re looking forward to trying to provide as much opportunity for students across Medicine Hat.”

And even Foran was excited at the opportunity to learn new skills, attending every session at the firehall with his students.

“It’s exciting for me because firefighting was always something that I was interested in growing up, but never quite had an opportunity to do that on top of my other career paths,” Foran explained.

After the students complete their certifications, which could take a couple of years, many will go on to start applying for volunteer firefighter jobs.

“This is my passion, this is exactly where my heart lies, and I want to pursue this. So hopefully I’ll be a fireman in the next five years at least,” said Kurpjuweit.