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Red Deer Public Schools Fire Academy students showcase training

May 13, 2026 | 3:31 PM

Students enrolled in Red Deer Public Schools Fire Academy got to showcase what they’ve been learning over the past few months.

On Tuesday, families and local media members watched the students as they walked them through some of the skill-based training they’ve gone through at the Ed Howell Training Centre.

Fire Academy Instructor Dean Plant said it was a progression from February, when they first started, until now.

“The kids were able to show off their skills, and we had it set up in stations so the people could come down and have a look at some of the things we’ve accomplished,” he said. “It was rewarding for the kids.”


(Image Credit: Red Deer Public Schools/Supplied)

Plant explained that the academy has only been around since February, and has been put on through a partnership with Red Deer Emergency Services. The students, who are in Grades 11 and 12, will be finishing up in approximately a month as they head into firefighting exams.

During that time, they’ve learned how to don their personal protective equipment, learned about search and rescue, confined space, pressurized gas, firefighter excavation, firefighter dynamics and have learned how to tackle fires as a team in real time.

If the students pass their exams, they’ll be certified firefighters and will be able to work as volunteer firefighters.

He said the purpose of the program was Red Deer Public Schools wanted to be more diverse in the programs they offer.

“One of our principals went down to Medicine Hat and had a look at their program because htey run a similar program. They thought why can’t we offer this type of program for our kids too,” he said.

“Ultimately, they can get some experience going forward to see if this is something they want to pursue as a career while in high school. There’s so many career paths you can take from this as well not just being a firefighter.”

He added that the partnership with Red Deer Emergency Services has been invaluable.

“The program doesn’t exist without them… All of the training officers have been so accomodating and a tremendous help for our students.”