Parkland Regional College is pleased to announce it is working with Lakeland College to offer the only full-time firefighting training program in Saskatchewan. “fire etc., an academic school of Lakeland College, is recognized as a leader in delivering quality firefighting instruction,” explains Fay Myers, CEO of Parkland Regional College.
Currently there are no pre-employment firefighter training programs offered in the province of Saskatchewan. Professional and volunteer firefighters upgrade their skills within local fire departments or by taking courses at the fire etc. training site in Vermilion, Alberta or at Emergency Services College in Brandon, Manitoba. The 12-week Fire Fighter (NFPA 1001) program will start in August and run in the community of Melville.
“Parkland Regional College has received full support from the City of Melville and their fire department, the Yorkton Fire Department, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association, and the Office of the Fire Commissioner for this venture,” says Larry Pearen, SIAST and Institute Programs Manager, who is coordinating the Fire Fighter program at Parkland Regional College. The training for this program will take place in Melville with the city agreeing to supply a training facility, a fire truck, access to some of their equipment and access to the old Melville hospital for rescue training and activities.
“fire etc. personnel have toured the Melville facilities and have indicated that most of the required training can be done in that location,” explains Pearen. Students will be required to go to Vermilion for two weeks to complete some of the practical training that requires highly specialized equipment. The Lakeland College training field includes multiple storey structural towers, a dangerous goods training area, and props that simulate industrial and residential fires, vehicle extrications and aircraft crash rescues.
Pearen stated that “Parkland Regional College is excited to work with fire etc. Their International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) accreditation and the support of the provincial Fire Commissioner’s Office will provide students with assurance that their credentials will be recognized by fire protection services throughout the province. This program will give students a competitive edge and be beneficial to those interested in seeking a position as a career firefighter in a municipal or industrial setting.”
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1001 – Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications is widely endorsed by departments as a necessary credential for new hires. This program exceeds the requirement set out by the NFPA and includes more practice runs and other hands-on skill building.
