COQUITLAM, B.C., March 8, 2023 – A dozen local youth will spend part of their spring break training to be firefighters with hands-on instruction at the new Coquitlam Fire Training Centre.
Selected through a competitive process, the Grade 11 and 12 students are participating in Coquitlam’s Junior Firefighter Program. Offered in partnership with School District 43, with funding support from fire industry sponsors, the program runs from March 10 to 17.
Recruiting Tomorrow’s Firefighters
In its fifth year, the Junior Firefighter Program gives youth who are considering a career in the fire service a chance to experience basic firefighter training, as well as the community goodwill, pride, excitement and camaraderie that come with the job.
The program, which encourages participation from a diverse range of candidates, has become a key part of the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s recruitment and community outreach efforts.
A Week of Skills and Excitement
It’s a packed week of activities for participants, who use the same training space and equipment as regular firefighters. The program gives them a condensed version of typical eight-week basic firefighter training, including familiarity with vehicles and equipment and hands-on experiences with:
- Fire extinguishers
- Ladder climbs, high-angle equipment and rappelling
- Scene assessment
- Basic first aid, CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator
- Hose and nozzle drills
- Auto extrication
- Public service
The 2024 application period will begin in November and include a fitness test and personal interview. A video and details can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/juniorfirefighter.
About the New Coquitlam Training Centre
This year’s junior firefighters will be the first to experience the new Coquitlam Fire Training Centre.
Constructed from shipping containers, the four-storey facility opened in fall 2022 and represents a new era in skills training and evaluation. It provides the conditions known to improve firefighter safety and performance: realistic conditions in a controlled environment, varied scenarios and repetition.
Features include computer-controlled smoke and live fire, working sprinklers and standpipe, moveable walls, wall breach props, a combat challenge stairway, anchors for rappelling and high-angle training, exterior lighting and many other features typically experienced during firefighting. More information is available at www.coquitlam.ca/trainingfacilities.
Corporate Sponsors
The 2023 Junior Firefighter program received financial support from the following businesses through the City’s Corporate Partners program:
About the Corporate Partners Program
Launched in 2014, Coquitlam's Corporate Partners program builds relationships with the business community and provides revenue to enhance City events, programs and services. Benefits for corporate partners include direct public exposure, a variety of marketing and engagement opportunities, recognition in print and online, and positive relationships with the community. Partnership packages are customized to meet the partner’s needs. For more details, visit www.coquitlam.ca/corporatepartners.
About Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s mission is to provide a range of emergency responses, fire protection and educational programs designed to protect lives and property from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by people or nature. Adopted in late 2021, the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) outlines 43 actions aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving the City’s response and recovery if fires do occur and is making progress implementing high-priority actions.
Learn more about Coquitlam Fire/Rescue at www.coquitlam.ca/firerescue.
Media contact
Scott Young
Deputy Fire Chief, Operations
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
604-927-6400
firerescue@coquitlam.ca