Local high school students are celebrating the completion of a new program that allowed them to learn firsthand about possible careers as first responders.
Grade 10 students at Tilbury District High School recently completed the Firefighter in a High School Exploration Initiative this semester, which saw a member of Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services make presentations during Civics and Careers class.
The program showcased all types of first responders, from the training department to volunteer firefighters.
Fire Chief Chris Case said the initiative provides students the opportunity to connect with first responders, but it also strengthens relationships between emergency service personnel and the community, particularly youth.
“We wanted to put firefighters in the schools because they’re good citizens and a good role model for the kids. But above that, we thought we could let the kids learn from the firefighters, give them the friendly face of the first responders, teach them the importance of getting an education,” he said.
The program originated in Ridgetown and has since expanded to include the communities of Blenheim and Tilbury.
Case said he’d love to see the program expanded even further to other areas of the municipality.
“We would love to see embedded firefighters in every school,” said Case. “We have police officers in schools but they have a slightly different role. The idea of a firefighter in the school is that role model, that mentorship, that citizenship, someone that the kids can trust and turn to, to support the teachers and support their education.”