Thirteen high school students from across the area are involved Okanagan are getting a feel for what it’s like being a firefighter firefighter through a week-long junior firefighter program bootcamp put on by the Lake Country Fire Department. The Lake Country Fire Department organized it. Fire Department Deputy Chief Kynan O’Rourke mentioned,“We’re really happy to see them here.”
O’Rourke says the students are taking each challenge in stride, but some of the training has been easier said than done.
“We’re pleased to have them here.”
The training looked easier when demonstrated by the firefighters, but it was harder for the students, as Wyatt Mackill mentioned.
“There’s so much happening but it’s really exciting.”
Everyone enrolled in the camp will complete the week with a first aid certificate, and while the goal of the program is to equip the kids with lifelong skills and lessons, it’s also an excellent opportunity for the fire department to begin recruitment early.
“The only requirement we ask is that you have to be 19, so our students are going to go away with some great skills, and hopefully we get them coming back when they’re 19 and they can apply in and definitely have that on their resume,” said O’Rourke.
“We’re a paid, on-call fire department, and we have a reoccurring recruit class that we need to fill up.”
These students still have a few more years to go before they can apply, but some say they’re seriously considering it.
Megan Forrest's plans to become a paramedic make this camp a perfect preparation opportunity, since it provides insights into the physical demands of the job.
“I could definitely see myself doing this as a part-time gig.”
Megan Forrest will be attending school to become a paramedic this November. She mentioned that the camp is an ideal way to get ready for her career.
“We had to go on air and climb a bunch of stairs, and that was kind of hard, but I really liked it because it shows you how physical the job is and how fit you have to stay,” said student Megan Forrest.
Gaining practical experience is a highlight for Megan, but she's also grateful for unexpected friendships formed during the camp.
“I feel like a lot of people are coming a lot closer, because I’m with people I’ve never met before and I have a really good friend here that I just made, so I feel like we’re going to be talking lots after this,” said Forrest.
The camps conclude on Friday, with the students set to receive their certificates and take home some memorable experiences.
“If they’re doing this again next year and the years to follow, I’m getting as many people as I can because this is a great place to be and everyone is so happy,” said Mackill.
While the goal of the program is to equip the kids with lifelong skills and lessons, it’s also an excellent opportunity for the fire department to begin recruitment early.
