By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Firefighting is becoming a hot topic at local high schools.
That’s according to Cam Sherman, a Grade 10 student who recently completed the eight-week “Firefighter in a High School Program” at Lambton-Kent Composite School in Dresden.
After exploring the many aspects of what it means to be a first responder, the 16 year old said a career in firefighting could be on the horizon.
“I would consider it in the future for sure,” Sherman said, noting he learned about safety, how first responders work together, as well as the mental-health aspects of the job.
“We learned a lot of new things and I feel like the program really opened up our minds,” he said. “Overall, it would be a very rewarding career.”
Sherman pointed out that first responders who came in to instruct the class were good teachers.
“They are very good people in general because of their experiences,” he added. “I have a ton of respect for them.”
The program, a partnership between Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue and the Lambton Kent District School Board, has finished its third year, with 2025 marking the inaugural program at LKCS.
Along with Dresden, Firefighter in a High School is offered in Tilbury, Ridgetown and Blenheim.
Although one of the goals of the initiative is to recruit local young people to become firefighters, there’s much more. The effort strengthens relationships between youth and emergency services, while enhancing community safety through education and prevention. The hands-on program allows students to interact with people serving with EMS, police and fire and includes practical skills such as putting up a ladder.
In speaking to the students at a wrap-up event, C-K Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case said the program offers a window into the profession, and a chance for young people to get to know emergency personnel in their community.
“Your first responders are there for you 24 hours a day,” he added, stressing “it’s probably one of the most rewarding careers you could have.”
Dresden’s course was led by Station 6 volunteer firefighter Tyler Ellis, a former LKCS graduate. Ellis said students embraced the program.
“We had great participation, I was honestly surprised at how well the kids did,” he said. “I had a really good time teaching you all.”
A total of 32 students in Alicia Huston’s Career Studies class completed the course.
“It’s really cool to see that there are things you can start with at the volunteer aspect all the way up to the chief and a paramedic,” Huston said. “Learning about all those different things are an opportunity,” the teacher said, calling it an excellent interactive experience for students.
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