The future of firefighting in the Central Okanagan looks bright.

During the first week of spring break, Grade 11 and 12 students from George Elliot, Mount Boucherie, and Rutland Secondary schools spent their free time participating in the Junior Firefighter Bootcamp at Lake Country Fire Department (LCFD) Station 71.

香蕉视频直播淚t is nice to see a bunch of new faces,香蕉视频直播� said Lake Country firefighter Rayman Bassi. 香蕉视频直播淲e did get two new recruits on the LCFD fire services team from the previous year香蕉视频直播檚 bootcamp, which is a good sign the program is attractive and useful to participants. The future of the Lake Country Fire Department paid-on-call membership is largely impacted by the GESS programs -- this year we saw two students re-enroll in the program and hopefully they will want to join LCFD later down the road.香蕉视频直播� 

Another firefighter, Alexander Schrenk took time from his plumbing apprenticeship to lead the program this year, which was special for him since his brother took part in the training.

香蕉视频直播淚 enjoyed building out the lesson plans and the week-long events for the group," said Schrenk. "When I went through a program like this, it got me hooked, and I hope this will do the same for these students.香蕉视频直播�

After an introduction on day one, the students learned about first aid and basic life support including AED and Red Cross CPR training on the second day. They also were taught about personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), firefighter skills and drills, auto extrication, and aerial apparatus experience.

香蕉视频直播淭his training program is so supportive and skill-building 香蕉视频直播� in both firefighting and life skills,香蕉视频直播� said bootcamp participant Wyatt Mackill. 香蕉视频直播淚 am glad to be back in the program this year because I香蕉视频直播檇 like to go on to a career in first response.香蕉视频直播� 

LCFD really enjoys running the program and seeing the interest from youth in becoming firefighters and fire responders, said Deputy Fire Chief Kynan O香蕉视频直播橰ourke

"This experience allows them to dive deep into the fire department culture, fostering both skill development and lasting friendships香蕉视频直播� said  O香蕉视频直播橰ourke. 香蕉视频直播淔ire services are steeped in tradition, and with this being our second year running this program, it has paved the way for both the department and the school to continue offering this unique educational opportunity to students and upcoming instructors in Lake Country."