Junior Firefighters Program will resume in Eganville

The Junior Firefighters Program in Eganville will return in the second semester after a restructuring; exact class dates are to be determined, Fire Chief Darryl Wagner told council.

The Junior Firefighters Program in Eganville will resume during the second semester of the high school year after a restructure. Fire Chief Darryl Wagner reported the change to council and said the program has provided skills not available elsewhere. Students have learned First Aid and chainsaw operation, and the program draws participants from a wide area. The schedule change follows a shift in coordinator availability and will concentrate training into one semester. Key details: - Classes are planned for the second semester of the high school year, with specific dates yet to be determined. - The program will run within a single semester; the first semester can serve as a recruiting period. - Students receive practical training such as chainsaw use and First Aid. - The program accepts high school students starting at about age 14, and participants may continue while in high school. - Participants receive 40 volunteer hours; the chief noted at least one former student is now training as a paramedic. Summary: The program has been condensed into a single semester to reflect coordinator availability, and exact dates remain to be set. Chief Wagner said he will meet with a coordinator to determine how the program will operate and plans to assist with training. The program continues to attract students from a broad catchment area.