Sundre High School students have the opportunity through a local initiative to take a peek at a potential future career path in serving on a fire department.
The junior firefighter program, which is available to teenagers at least 16 years of age, has for many years been run annually in collaboration between the Sundre Fire Department and the high school.
"I'm very passionate about keeping that program alive," said fire Chief Marty Butts.
"That's what got me started."
Initially getting involved when he was 16, Butts remains committed to the department after 30 years, and the chief does not doubt the value of the program.
"I've seen a lot of good kids come through. Some have even left and become career firefighters ó it was a stepping stone," he said about the junior firefighter program, which also offers students school credit.
While the young volunteers are presented the opportunity to train with more senior members of the department on Wednesday evenings at the hall, they are not permitted to attend motor vehicle wrecks or structure fires for legal reasons, he said.
"You don't necessarily want them exposed to fatalities yet at that age," he said, adding such incidents can potentially have a detrimental psychological impact on a youth.
"We protect them from all of that."
Of course even once a member turns 18, he or she might not be fully prepared for a worst-case scenario, but anyone who plans to work in that environment should know that coping with difficult calls "comes with the territory," he said.
Robert Kibblewhite, a captain with the Sundre Fire Department, has overseen the junior program for several years, and he ensures the training modules get done, said Butts.
"I promote keeping that alive as long as I can. It's a good program."
Word has spread to other municipalities about the program's success in Sundre, and Butts said other communities have called to inquire about how the program works as well as how it can be implemented.
"I'm kind of proud that we have had this going for so long that other places are looking to adopt a similar program."
Some of the students who complete the program go on to become either full-time firefighters elsewhere or dedicated volunteer members of the local department, while others decide to pursue post-secondary education, he said.
One of the few caveats for junior members is to maintain their school grades and ensure their academic studies don't suffer. The program opens the door for a younger generation to consider a career through an introduction to what firefighting is all about, he said.
"It doesn't cost them anything, just their time. It's a win-win (for the students who gain invaluable experience and insight as well as for the department, which gets additional helping hands and possibly new long-term volunteers)."
Students who might be interested in getting involved need simply apply through the school, he said.
"We're eager to accept them."
While a date had not yet been set when Butts spoke with the Round Up, an introduction night will be planned to promote the program.
"(Students) will be seeing notices throughout the high school coming out."
Any students who have perhaps thought about getting involved but remain on the fence should consider signing up, he said.
"It could be the beginning of a career."
