(Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services announces new partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic

Jan 15, 2025 | 4:31 PM

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services has announced a new partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP).

The partnership will offer third-party testing of the Firefighter Applicant Physical Test (FAPT), which is a requirement for joining LFES.

The City of Lethbridge says this will provide a more convenient option to take the test for prospective applicants, making it so they would not have to travel up to the University of Alberta in Edmonton to take it.

Cody Gundlock, Deputy Chief of Safety, Health and Wellness with LFES says, “This partnership makes our hiring process more accessible and convenient for candidates. By reducing the travel burden and increasing testing options, we are breaking down barriers for prospective candidates and opening the door for more qualified individuals to join our team.”

The FAPT includes seven stations for the applicants to be tested on:

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• cardiovascular fitness test
• equipment carrying
• hose drag
• sled pull
• forceable entry
• victim rescue
• ladder climb

While completing the stations, other than the cardiovascular test, applicants will be wearing a 45-pound weighted vest, which Fire Training Officer Mark Matheson says is supposed to reflect challenging real-world situations, “Our goal is to ensure that our candidates can perform in order to serve the community at the highest level.”

In addition to the new partnership in Red Deer, LFES is also looking to bring in a third testing option locally at the University of Lethbridge.

In 2025, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is aiming to hire at least 14 new members as part of recruitment efforts.