“You may’t be what you’ll be able to’t see … I wish to present college students what they are often,” Vernon Fireplace Rescue Lieut. Allison Reich says.

That was her message Wednesday as feminine highschool college students spent the day as firefighters, studying the ropes of fireplace engines, fireplace hoses, and listening to about profession choices in emergency providers.

Igniting the probabilities included getting a journey 110 ft up within the division’s ladder truck, and getting some hands-on expertise with fireplace hoses, in addition to witnessing the Jaws of Life in motion.

The occasion was geared in direction of encouraging extra girls into the sector.

Reich is the one feminine firefighter at VFRS, with one different in administration.

“Girls are very under-represented within the fireplace service,” mentioned Reich, who was the driving drive behind the actions.

“We wish to open up the experiences to younger girls, in order that they know what’s doable.”

College students from Seaton and Fulton secondary faculties took half within the day-long occasion, with the morning spent on idea and studying about careers from dispatch to firefighting in addition to fireplace inspections and investigations.

The afternoon was action-packed, with demonstrations and hands-on experiences – all whereas the ladies had been decked out in full turnout gear.

Reich says out of 4,300 skilled firefighters in BC, solely 175 are feminine.

“If I may help encourage somebody to develop into firefighters, I’ve achieved my job,” she mentioned.

Reich has been a firefighter for 18 years, and was a volunteer for an additional 4.

She says breaking the stereotype of the outdated boys’ community has not been a problem.

“The blokes are consummate professionals, respectful… there is a sense of household and camaraderie.”

Pupil Ivy Jensen mentioned she’s desperate to develop into a firefighter.

She mentioned the day was “unbelievable” and “a as soon as in a lifetime expertise.”

Jensen says her curiosity within the profession stems from family and friends who’re firefighters and law enforcement officials.

Reich says a full set of firefighting gear can weigh about 100 kilos, together with turnout gear, respiration equipment and instruments.

These within the job will want a Grade 12 diploma plus 30 credit of post-secondary training, together with Nationwide Fireplace Safety Affiliation coaching.