Volunteer firefighters are always known for going above and beyond for the communities they serve, always being there and having the best interests at heart.
The Kingston Fire Department has been doing just that, working to provide opportunities, development and encouragement to students enrolled within their youth firefighter program.
By welcoming students with open arms into their firehouse, they’ve been dedicating a plethora of time towards teaching youth the fundamentals of firefighting.
Between a core group of seven instructors, they’ve had the pleasure of mentoring and watching six youth, turn into firefighters.
“Just to see how far those youth have come, from day one not knowing what a helmet was, to being able to do a skills’ demonstration, has been absolutely worth it.” Kingston Deputy Chief, Bryan Tremblett, proudly shared.
After a lot of time and planning over the summer, instructors successfully got the program off the ground last fall, putting students through a number of challenges and skills sets this year.
This very unique learning opportunity has provided a true hands-on experience of what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in our communities while also teaching essential life skills.
With the support from their membership and the Kingston Fire Commission, they were able to partner with the local high schools to provide students with credits that go towards their education after completing the program.
From hazmat awareness, ground ladders, ropes and knots, hand tools, search patterns, fire behaviour, ventilation tactics, aerial operations, vehicle extrication and much more, the youth have covered the entire level one firefighting program plus more.
Students covered the NFPA 1001, known as level 1, the standard qualification for firefighters.
In 1998, a similar youth firefighter program that was offered in Newfoundland, sparked the idea being brought to the Kingston membership.
“Myself and firefighter Tremblett completed a youth firefighting course in our hometown in Newfoundland. Right away, we knew we wanted to be part of the fire service. It ultimately stuck with me until I was able to join.” Shared Deputy Chief, Bryan Tremblett.
Tremblett, actively serving as a deputy fire chief in Kingston, vividly recalled why he joined.
“I knew I wanted to do something in the fire service, and it was all because I completed the youth program.” He shared.
Providing these opportunities not only gives the youth a look into the fire service, but it also encourages the possibility for new members and creating positive relationships within the community.
Out of the six youth that graduated, one of them will be staying on as a volunteer firefighter and two of them will be returning next year to help mentor the program.
After a year of hard work, Ewen Crawford was presented with an official department pager and helmet during the graduation ceremony last week. He will be joining the team as their newest probationary member.
There is no doubt that the program will encourage other students to join the fire service or enable them in some capacity.
With many going off to university in the fall, they have all expressed their interest in joining other stations, with this vital experience playing a huge factor.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot more about the fire service and how it works. I loved the hands on, going through the maze, going on the ladders and learning what happens when the fire trucks arrive on scene.” Abby Veinot shared.
Abby completed the program with five other students and was awarded the youth firefighter of the year award!
Veinot expressed how important this opportunity was, being involved in the community and the welcoming environment the fire department was.
“Definitely try it, even if it’s not for you, it’ll probably be the best experience you’ll ever have.” She shared for other students who may consider the opportunity.
Rose & Justin Veinot, parents of Abby, were thrilled when they learned their daughter was going to be a youth firefighter.
They shared how it wasn’t just about being part of the program and the training on Wednesday nights. The Kingston Fire Department invited the youth to social gatherings, community events, said hello in the grocery store and made them feel apart of the family, going above and beyond.
For many of us in the fire service, the community events and little things are why we serve.
Being the pillars in the community and providing support, this new program helps show the importance of being involved and the opportunities that are available.
For students that may have the opportunity to participate in the program and parents on the fence, the program is designed to support youth by learning skills and working together.
“There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Justin shared.
The youth firefighter program has been a true testament to the work that’s been put in by the Kingston Fire Department.
For any fire departments considering the idea within their quarters, be prepared for the time commitment. For Deputy Chief Bryan Tremblett, it has definitely been worth it.
The youth firefighter program was conducted on Wednesday evenings, separate from their regular training nights, ensuring the program and training was dedicated to those participating.
The program will be back up and running in the fall, with applications already being received and instructors are looking forward to another successful year.
They regularly share their progress and youth success on their separate Facebook page, which can be found here:
Congratulations to all the youth that successfully completed the program: Ewen Crawford, Owen Hannem, Kelden Hemsworth, Abby Veinot, Qwentyn Wentzell, Sophie Wuhrer.
You can catch the Kingston Youth Firefighters at the Kingston Steer BBQ performing a vehicle extrication on July 11th at 230PM at the Credit Union Centre Arena.
Adrian J.
