Coquitlam grade 11 and 12 students interested in gaining hands-on Fire/Rescue training with the Junior Firefighter Program are encouraged to apply by Friday, December 8.
COQUITLAM, B.C., November 17, 2023 – Coquitlam students from grades 11 and 12 are invited to gain hands-on Fire/Rescue training and experience through the 2024 Junior Firefighter Program.
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue, in partnership with School District No. 43, are recruiting for the 2024 program, which will run March 15 to March 22, 2024 (week one of Spring Break). Students who are interested in learning more about a career in firefighting and what it takes to be a firefighter are encouraged to apply by the deadline of Friday, December 8.
Application Process
Participants must meet specific criteria in a thorough application process that includes completing an in-depth application form and participating in a personal interview and fitness test to meet the the academic and physical requirements of the program. Applications are now open and will close on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Program Highlights
The program goals are to provide students the opportunity to learn experientially about becoming a firefighter as a career opportunity and to diversify the recruitment pool of Coquitlam Fire/Rescue.
Training for the junior program is a condensed version of the eight-week firefighter basic training program. It includes vehicle and equipment familiarization, fire extinguishers, aerial ladder experience, basic first aid as well as CPR, hose and nozzle drills, high angle equipment and rappelling, auto extrication exercises, fire ground drills and a public service component at the City’s modern training facilities at Town Centre Firehall.
Visit coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter for program information, a link to the School District’s application form, and to watch a video of the 2023 Junior Firefighter Program.
Background
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue piloted the Junior Firefighter program in 2019. Due to the pilot program’s success and continued interest from students, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue and School District No. 43 have continued with the program. Including 2023's contingent, there are 58 youth who have successfully completed the program since it began.
Media Contact
Scott Young
Deputy Fire Chief
City of Coquitlam
firerescue@coquitlam.ca
604-927-6400
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.