PRPS Launches new Fire Rescue Academy Program

Prairie Rose Public School’s  newest academy program will provide grade 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to earn their Firefighter 1 and 2 Certifications upon graduation.

Starting this fall, grade 11 and 12 students at Senator Gershaw School in Bow Island and Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore will see an additional option on their elective sheet. The South Alberta Fire Rescue (SAFR) Academy, with a focus on firefighting and rescue training, is the newest of Prairie Rose Public Schools academy programs.

SAFR will be a year-round academy program integrated into the student’s timetable which provides three days per week of in-class instruction and two days off site for hands-on firefighter training. Throughout the two-year program, students will take a variety of modules earning their Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications. Much like other Prairie Rose academy programs, the goal is to provide students wishing to pursue firefighting, as either a career or a volunteer, the opportunity to gain the skills required by the time they graduate high school.

“Prairie Rose is always looking for ways to meet student interests,” says Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven. “Firefighter training is one of the things we heard from our communities that there is a need and passion. Academies, like South Alberta Fire Rescue, give students the opportunity to learn about something they are excited about which can further be applied following graduation.”

With a focus on firefighter training and certification, the program will work in partnership with local community fire departments. Some of the training students will receive includes fire dynamics, hose operations and streams, forceable entry, building materials and structural collapse, technical rescue support and vehicle extraction operation. Both the Bow Island Fire Department and the Cypress County Fire Department are the first to partner with Prairie Rose in the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy program.

“The Bow Island Fire Department is very excited to be part of this new program. We are always looking for new members and the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy is a great opportunity to certify new firefighters and hopefully keep them in our rural communities after graduation. Our whole team is looking forward to participating and watching the program grow.” ~ Bow Island Fire Chief Blaine O’Donnell

“Cypress County looks forward to working with Prairie Rose School Division on this exciting endeavour.” ~ Cypress County Chief Administrative Officer Tarolyn Aaserud

The final details of the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy are still being finalized, but registrations are now being accepted for the fall. Families with questions about the program are encouraged to contact Prairie Rose Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven at 403-527-5516.