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By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

RED DEER A RECIPIENT

Provincial grant supports firefighter training in more than 65 communities

Apr 3, 2025 | 4:30 PM

The Government of Alberta is investing more than $1 million through the Fire Services Training Program Grant to support local fire services, and Red Deer is set to receive $14,091.

The funding is meant to help over 65 municipalities, First Nations and Métis Settlements deliver training to firefighters.

“This investment in firefighter training is not only welcome – it’s essential. The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association is pleased to see the government’s commitment to ensuring our firefighters are prepared to meet the growing demands of emergency response. These grants will directly support the safety and readiness of fire services across Alberta’s communities,” said Chief Randy Schroeder, president of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.

In Red Deer, the grant will support two iterations of a swiftwater boat operation course, as well as a confined space rescue course.

“Those are specialized courses, so there’s a smaller group of people who partake in those disciplines,” said Tyler Pelke, Deputy Chief of Red Deer Emergency Services. “Ultimately, it will help us get some folks up to speed on some things.”

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He added, the training will likely reach about 20 firefighters, due to its specialized nature.

Other central Alberta recipients include:

• City of Lacombe: $8,920
• County of Stettler No. 6: $10,000
• Ponoka County: $6,760
• Town of Olds: $13,316

The full list of recipients is available online under, “successful applicants.”

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