Fire recruits training to join ranks

By Lethbridge Herald on June 1, 2022.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services newest recruits learn a technique called nozzle forward system as part of a training exercise Wednesday at Fire Station No. 4 on the city’s northside.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – Lethbridge Herald

The newest recruits for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services had the opportunity to get hands-on training on engine operations techniques, called the Nozzle Forward System, on Wednesday. 

“We just had a cadre from all over North America come to Lethbridge this weekend and do a class for the region, so we’re building upon that with our own recruits and adding them into the fray,” said Mark Matheson, fire training officer for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services. 

He said they have 12 recruits for this round and are looking forward to having them on the job. 

“We’re desperately in need of having more guys, so this is very timely and important,” said Matheson.

He said he loves working with new recruits as they do not have any preconceived notions about procedures and therefore they are trying to do the best they can to impress upon them that they can do the job well. He added that they are very eager and easy to work with. 

One of those recruits is Robert Cloherty who was very excited about the hands-on learning exercises performed on Monday. He said it was important to apply the knowledge learned and put it into action. 

“I’ve been loving it, it’s been really good. It’s a very physically daunting profession and it’s something that I think the guys here, we’re all pretty like competitive guys and like to keep it exciting and keep it moving forward,” said Cloherty. 

He said the hands-on experience was helpful as one can interpret things that are read in a different way, but using the knowledge in action has helped solidify what he has learned. 

“I believe we’re going to be done the training part mid-July and then they have a mentorship program that they have to do, but you’ll see them on the streets late July working with our crews hand and hand,” said Matheson.

Working in a team environment is something Logan Leroux has being enjoying the most since he comes from a sports background where team work was part of his everyday life. 

“It’s kind of like a dressing room environment, everybody is super friendly and competitive and it’s really positive. So that’s kind of why I wanted to get into it,” said Leroux. 

He said in the firehouse everyone has each other’s backs and he believes having a team background will help him fit in well with others. 

Matheson said the recruits are needed to fill in some holes they have in the department as they are not a big department. He said they only have about 160 to 170 members in suppression. 

“These guys will definitely alleviate some of that impact, but we’re still going to be short and we’re looking to hire again in the fall,” said Matheson. 

He said they will be running another class in the fall as well as another one the following year.