MELVILLE, SK — Just days after graduating from Suncrest College’s Professional Firefighter Qualification program, several new firefighters have been hired by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and deployed to help battle wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.
On August 1, eighteen students completed the intensive 20-week program at the Saskatchewan Emergency Response Institute (SERI), located just outside Melville, SK. The program, offered in partnership with the SPSA, trains students in live fire scenarios, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and other critical skills required for professional firefighting.
Following graduation, participants completed an additional one-week Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course, further preparing them for the demands of the job. Eight graduates were offered positions with the SPSA, where they are now working on the front lines to protect communities impacted by this year’s wildfire season. The graduates have been assigned to Big River, Buffalo Narrows, Dorintosh, Lower Fishing Lake and Weyakwin.
Kami DePape, Suncrest College VP of Partnerships & Innovation said, “We are incredibly proud to see our graduates putting their skills to work so quickly, especially in service of our province during a time of urgent need. This speaks volumes about their dedication, the quality of their training, and the strong partnership between Suncrest College and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.”
Bryan Chartrand, Executive Director of Land Operations, SPSA added, “These graduates have demonstrated the skill, resilience and teamwork it takes to meet the demands of firefighting. As they step into their new operational roles, we are confident that the high standard of training provided at SERI will have prepared them well for the responsibilities they have ahead of them.”
The Professional Firefighter Qualification program is the only one of its kind offered in Saskatchewan. Graduates leave with nationally recognized credentials, preparing them for municipal, industrial, and wildland firefighting roles across Canada.
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For interviews or questions regarding this release, please contact:
SPSA Media Desk
306.798.0094
Suncrest College Marketing
306.786.2584
