The first ever Rutland Senior Secondary Firefighting Class has graduated.
It recently wrapped up with 11 students successfully completing the rigorous program requirements under the watchful eye of the Joe Rich Fire Department.
The goal of the program is to provide valuable work experience and possible work opportunities to participating high school students.
Instruction included classroom time as well as practical experience by participating in Emergency Medical Responder/First Responder training, live fire training at Big White and an abundance of other useful skills.
The students also provided the Joe Rich Fire Department with maintenance around the hall and equipment including truck checks and cleaning.
Joe Rich Fire Chief Ben Wasyliuk says the program provided these students with valuable skills that will hopefully be utilized down the road in either paid-on-call or full-time firefighting or other emergency services.
The work experience program was taught by Rutland Senior Secondary teacher Aaron Volk, who is also a Captain with Joe Rich Fire and Primary Care Paramedic.