Red Deer Public Schools, in partnership with Red Deer Emergency Services, will launch its new Fire Academy in the 2025/2026 school year.
This specialized Academy, aimed at Grade 11 and 12 students from both Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and Hunting Hills High School, will begin in the second semester of the 2025/2026 school year.
The program combines classroom learning with real-world, hands-on firefighting training and experience. The Fire Academy is a unique opportunity for students to earn high school credits, while gaining accreditation and practical skills that will prepare them for a career in firefighting.
Students enrolled in the Fire Academy will participate in dynamic classroom lessons at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, and hands-on exercises at the City of Red Deer's Ed Howell Emergency Services training facility. Each cadet will be fitted with their own bunker gear and other necessary equipment to ensure safety and authenticity during training. In addition to wearing uniforms during class and training sessions, cadets will embody the professionalism and discipline required in emergency services.
The program is capped at 20 students per year to ensure personalized attention and high-quality training.
