First class graduates from firefighter diversity program

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This article was published 29/09/2022 (1259 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The first class of a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service training program aimed at prospective firefighters from diverse backgrounds has graduated.

The 16 graduates attained their Manitoba Emergency Services College firefighter certifications over 12 months of evening classes with the Winnipeg fire department.

Normally, they undergo nine months of full-time training at the college in Brandon. which requires students to move and pay room and board.

The department said the Winnipeg program lets students keep up with full-time work and family obligations.

The graduates, who were handed their certificates at a formal ceremony attended by family and city and department officials at the Winnipeg Fire Fighters Museum, are qualified to apply to work for the department during the next recruitment.

WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt thanked the students and called the ceremony the most moving he had attended in his 29 years working for the service.

“(There is) a lot of work that we’re undertaking in the fire paramedic service, in terms of our culture and organization, not just the fire paramedic service but across the city, there’s a lot of work underway,” he said.

“The messages we heard today just underpin the importance of that work.”

The diversity and equity training program is aimed at women, LGBTTQ+ people, Indigenous people, those with a disability, or racialized people.

Schmidt said the service should reflect the diversity of the city, and the program is a step toward that goal.

Fort Garry Coun. Sherri Rollins, who chairs the protection committee, echoed that message.

“A workplace that reflects the people builds trust,” she said.

Registration for the 2022-23 class is full. It costs about $8,500.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @erik_pindera