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Proud students honoured at ESRT program graduation

Jun 19, 2018 | 5:00 PM

It was a proud day for many students graduating from the Emergency Services Responder Training program Tuesday.

A total of 31 students, who completed Level 10 and Level 20 training courses, were honoured during a ceremony at the local fire hall. This was the second year the program has been offered in North Battleford.

“It’s pretty exciting,” North Battleford Fire Chief Trevor Brice said. “The fire department was really pleased to get involved in this from the beginning. For me, as the fire chief, it’s an opportunity to bring people on.”

He said by the time students complete their third level training, which will be offered during the next school year, they will be qualified to be paid, on-call firefighters in the future if they choose that path. 

“I believe we have a quality of youth here who already have a foot on the ladder in terms in coming into a career in one of the emergency response services,” Brice added.

Among this year’s graduates were 10 students who completed the Level 20 course and 21 students who were certified at Level 10. 

“We already have some people who have come through the program or have shown an interest,” Brice said. “They are moving into one of the public safety services once they leave school.”

He said some students expressed an interest in joining the fire department and the ambulance service.

“It’s a really worthwhile program for young adults, and one that we wish to continue,” the fire chief added.

Partnership program

The Emergency Services Responder Training program is offered jointly through the N.B. Fire Department and the local school divisions, with support from other partners including local businesses.

Student Zechariah Hodges, one of the graduates from the Emergency Services Responder Training Level 20 program, spoke to the other graduates during the ceremony about the program.

“I really do believe we are some of the best young men and women the Battlefords have to offer,” he said, adding that he enjoyed the pleasure of “learning and growing” with the group during his time in the program.

Following the ceremony, Hodges said he appreciated the teamwork involved in the program. He earned several First Aid certificates as well while taking the course, among other accomplishments. 

Hodges said he especially valued taking part in a program that allowed him to be of service to others. That’s why he embarked in the program in the first place, he said. 

When he completes high school, Hodges said he hopes to pursue a career in the Canadian Forces.

“Living a lifestyle of service and sacrifice is how I want to be, and how I can really be proud of myself,” he said.

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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