Inmates Enthused About Firefighter Training

Inmates Enthused About Firefighter Training

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 13:56

The co-ordinator of a firefighting program at a Prince Albert jail says he’s optimistic the initiative will return for another year.

Lorne Valuck says 15 inmates enrolled in the firefighting class this summer at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre.

Experts from the field came in, set up equipment and gave the men a quick 101 on fire suppression techniques.

Valuck says feedback from the prison population has been positive.

“These instructors really know how to work with the fellows. There’s a really good classroom atmosphere and good co-operation, and they (the students) seem pretty excited about being able to work, to have something to go to and be on-call for when they get out,” Valuck says.

Valuck says forest firefighting is an entry level position, so the prospects for a job are good.