NISKU, AB You are invited to join elected officials, County staff, and families at the inaugural graduation of Leduc County's first fire cadetclass.

Date: Tuesday, March 1
Time: 7-7:30 p.m. – Graduation ceremony and cheque presentation
Where: Nisku Fire Station 606-21 Avenue Nisku, AB

The program is designed for youth aged 16 to 17 years who have an interest in fire rescue services or who would like to join a great team-orientated program. “We approached high school students with an opportunity to experience a career in fire fighting and emergency services,” explains Leduc County Fire Chief Bob Galloway. Six cadets have spent the past year working with firefighters from Leduc County to learn all aspects of the fire rescue emergency response service. “We warned them that the work would be hard, but it would also be very rewarding and maybe even a little fun!”

Cadets were taught everything a new firefighter recruit would learn from advancing a hand line off of a truck to a search and rescue in heavy smoke conditions while fully geared and using a SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus).“These cadets learned real hands-on skills about what it takes to be a firefighter while gaining a solid understanding of the demands and rewards of this career”, explains Galloway.

Cheque presentation
Also at this gathering, the Nisku Volunteer Firefighters Association (NVFFA) will present Leduc County with a cheque for over $16,000 to pay for a new thermal imaging camera for the fire service. This camera allows firefighters to see through smoke, locate trapped persons and assists in identifying hot objects or hidden areas of fire. Through wireless connection, the camera can transmit images from inside a building to a remote monitor in a fire truck. This donation was raised through a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year coordinated and hosted by the NVFFA.

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