Strathmore voicing support to pilot new firefighter training program
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Strathmore has voiced its support for a post-secondary fire school partnership to develop a one-year pilot project.
The initiative aims to establish a firefighter training program in Strathmore which would train entry level firefighters to National Fire Protection Association standards, utilize local facilities, expertise and equipment, and expand local post-secondary opportunities, among other benefits.
“Two potential post-secondary partners were reviewed. Both models would require support from the town and the fire department, but they differ significantly in terms of launch readiness, administrative requirements, financial clarity, and long-term potential,” said Dave Sturgeon, fire chief. “The recommended model is preferred because it already has curriculum developed, has a clearer financial structure, reduces the administrative burden to the town staff, and has the potential to launch as early as fall of this year.”
Sturgeon explained the establishment of the program has the potential to generate revenue for the town anywhere in the realm of $64,000 to $114,000 per intake.
Should the launch of the pilot be successful, the aim would be to see four classes of 15-25 intakes trained annually.
“The opportunity is not only financial,” said Sturgeon. “It supports workforce development, public safety, applied education in our region, and allows Strathmore to become the host community for emergency services training and help position the town as a regional center for practical skills-based education.”
The approval granted during the May 6 meeting does not officially give the green light to the program, rather grants administration and Strathmore’s fire department support to continue working with their preferred partner and to develop the program.
Under the recommended partnership model, tuition per student would be set at approximately $15,000 with an anticipated 50/50 revenue sharing structure.
Once established with either partner, the program will be structured around a 12-week schedule including operations training for rope rescue, wildland fire, firefighter survival, and aquatic spinal rescue amongst other training.
“I can’t express how excited I am about this opportunity, and it really ticks all of the boxes for me. It’s a unique form of income for the town, something new for us, something novel,” said Coun. Melissa Langmaid. “It’s bringing post-secondary opportunities to the community. It’s bringing economic development. It’s contributing to community safety. It’s hitting every single box that we have tasked administration to try and achieve.”
Until the merit of the pilot project is determined or cemented, Strathmore’s fire department will continue to operate their current training program, which does one intake per year for a 14-month course.