Firefighting training could be a win-win for students and communities

Barrington municipality hoping to make firefighter training a personal development credit for high school students

An idea that originated with volunteer firefighters in the Municipality of Barrington has resulted in an application being made to the Department of Education to add firefighter training to the Personal Development Credit Program for high school students.

“The reasoning behind it is that students who put in the time and effort to complete this training and serve in their communities should get some type of benefit and recognition, as well as possibly aiding in the recruitment of firefighters, which is always challenging,” said Dwayne Hunt, fire services coordinator for the municipality.

“Over the years there have been numerous students who have joined local fire departments and completed their training. Some have gone on to careers in firefighting, paramedicine and policing,” he said.

After consulting with local high school staff and learning of the Personal Development Credit Program through the Department of Education, Hunt said he completed an application and submitted it for review.

“The application completed is for any student who joins a fire department and completes their NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 1001 firefighter 1 training that is taught by NFPA 1041 level 1 Professional Qualification Board Certified Instructors,” said Hunt. “The criteria is based on the training standards for firefighters that are in place in the Municipality of Barrington. The training consists of 136 hours of classroom and practical skills.”

The Department of Education only review applications every two years and the next review is scheduled for January 2021.

“If the application is approved and the course is added to the list it could be utilized across the province providing the criteria is met,” said Hunt.

Barrington municipal council has written Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Zach Churchill asking for his support of the application, as well as Argyle-Barrington MLA Colton LeBlanc and municipal units across the province.

“Joining a volunteer fire department helps students with interpersonal and communications skills as well as problem solving, all while serving their community,” wrote Warden Eddie Nickerson in support of the application.

“Along with the personal development of the students, this program also has the potential to increase fire department memberships,” he said. “The age of firefighters is increasing and departments are finding it difficult to attract younger members. It is key to attract people into the fire department while they are young so they can form a lifetime connection with the service.”