Kelli Ireland is the new life and safety educator with Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services. Kevin Kyle/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

Kelli Ireland leaves Medicine Hat’s communications department for fire services

Jul 31, 2024 | 4:57 PM

Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services has found a new fire and life safety educator.

Kelli Ireland will take on the newly-created position after working as as a corporate communications specialist with the City of Medicine Hat for over four and a half years and as an educator at Medicine Hat College for 2.5 years.

She has already been tackling the learning side of the position, to allow her to help educate the public.

“There is a lot to learn, the role of a firefighter and the critical operations that they do on a day-to-day basis,” Ireland said.

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“My background is in communications and community engagement. I think combined, I’m going to continue to be learning,” she added.

“I’ve already taken three fire courses and I have a couple more on the horizon that is just going to expand my knowledge in this particular industry.”

Ireland is looking to have an expanded focus on education for all ages, acknowledging there is already a strong presence set up with young children and seniors in care homes in the city.

Making sure people in Medicine Hat are practicing fire prevention and general life safety at home.

She feels it’s a really unique opportunity to connect with the community and really make an impact, which appealed to her when applying for the position.

Ireland said a goal of her position is to be out in the community educating on a more regular basis, to free up firefighting staff that had previously taken on those initiatives, and to expand on what is already in place.

“Creating public education campaigns that support this community in ensuring fire prevention,” Ireland said.

“It’s not only fire prevention that we’re going to be talking about. It is life safety tips that are going to support everybody in this community, just live a better life and keep everybody safe.”

Ireland encourages residents of the city to watch for her throughout the community and contact her to set up educational opportunities.

“We offer a whole variety of different programs,” Ireland said.

“If you are interested in either taking a station visit or coming to see me or having me speak within your school or your program, please just reach out.”