Granum Fire Academy celebrates the achievements of nine students

Author: Rob Vogt
It was an opportunity to shine a light on the high school students who worked hard all year learning firefighter skills.
On June 19, a ceremony was held at the Granum Fire Station, during which students were recognized for their achievements.
The Class of 2024 is:
• Quynlen Darragh;
• Glavin from Brooklyn;
• Lyrical Greenwood;
• Gage Hogg;
• Cowen Linklater;
• Quinn Vanee;
• Jocelyne Van Herk;
• Ashley Watson;
• Rowan Watson.
Three special prizes were also awarded:
• Brooklyn Glavin, Firefighter Academic Excellence Award;
• Gage Hogg, Most Improved Firefighter Award;
• Quinn Vanee, Firefighter Excellence Award.
They gained experience that included obtaining first aid certifications, breaking down doors, carrying 170-pound mannequins down stairs, getting through smoky rooms, crawling through small spaces with 50-pound equipment and being in a room with live fire.
After graduating from the academy, students prepared to take provincial exams, which gave them qualifications to become a volunteer firefighter and made it easier for them to get into post-secondary education.
This year students came from Claresholm, Fort Macleod and many from Lundbreck.
“It was an opportunity to learn and find my passion,” said Shannon Fraser, one of the academy leaders and family school partnerships advisor for the Livingstone Range Schools Division.
“It was a huge commitment on their part,” she added, noting that students gave up their Friday afternoons.
Duncan McLean is the Chief Instructor and Deputy Chief of Public Safety.
He said he wanted to instill a sense of community and the importance of cooperation. He hoped that the students would continue and contribute to their communities, hopefully as firefighters.
Randy Bohnet is Granum School’s principal and oversees the program because students can also earn up to nine high school credits.
“I commend you for following this path,” he told the students. “(For) the required commitment and contribution to society.”