Youth who are considering a career in firefighting are invited to apply for seven days of training.
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services is accepting applications for the 2015 Youth Firefighter program, which provides training in first aid/CPR, fire investigate techniques, fire prevention, firefighting techniques, high angle/confined space and auto extrication. On the final day of the program, youth will put out a real fire – an experience they’ll never forget.
Applications are being accepted until Feb. 16. The 12 successful applicants will enjoy two days of fire investigation, education and prevention in March and then five days of hands-on firefighting training in July.
Fire Prevention Captain Dan Wilson encourages New West youth in Grade 10, 11 and 12 to apply for the program if they’re considering a career in firefighting.
“It’s real-life stuff. There is a panel interview, there is a commitment on their part,” he said about the seven days of training. “If they are thinking about doing the job … this is a way to test it out.”
The program also helps youth assess whether they’re cut out for a career in firefighting. If youth are claustrophic, don’t like wearing masks or are fearful of heights, it helps them make decisions about their future career choices.
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services and the New Westminster Parks, Culture and Recreation department host the program, in partnership with the Justice Institute of B.C. and the New Westminster School District.
Application forms are available at New Westminster Secondary School or from the fire hall at Sixth Avenue and McBride Boulevard.
Nanny shares sleep tips - and more
An experienced nanny and mom will be sharing tips aimed at helping children get a better night’s sleep.
Queens Park Preschool is holding a parent education session on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. Dawnn Whittaker, founder and senior consultant with Cheekychops, will be presenting a child sleep seminar that addresses sleep issues at a variety of ages.
“Dawnn has worked as a day nanny, live-in nanny, baby nanny, overnight nanny and a trouble-shooting nanny for families in the U.K., U.S. Australia and Canada. She also consulted for nanny agencies. With her biting British wit, she dishes out straight talk with a spoonful of sugar and a side of spunk,” said a press release about the presentation. “For about 20 years, she enjoyed being everybody’s favourite go-to gal for childcare and baby advice. Then she had her own babies and things changed. Even with all her expertise, Dawnn discovered firsthand what it felt like to be wracked with the challenges of being a good mom, a likable partner and the woman she expected herself to be.”
In 2006 Whittaker founded Cheekychops, a company that aims to help empower parents and to get a good night’s sleep.
Queen’s Park Preschool has a limited number of tickets available to family, friends, alumni or community members who aren’t currently involved with the preschool. Tickets are $10 each and must be reserved ahead of time through Tasha Murray at [email protected] or 604-526-5527.
