Retired police sergeant Ernie Fischhofer uses a post-it note Monday to share a forensic policing technique with students of the First Responder Academy at McCoy High School.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Folding an ordinary post-it note like origami into a forensic paint-swabbing tool, retired police sergeant Ernie Fischhofer on Monday showed Monsignor McCoy High School students both real-life and forensic techniques used by professionals in the field.
One example was Fischhofer, who has 34 years of experience, showing students a practical method forensic investigators use to collect paint samples from damaged vehicles with a post-it note.
The lesson is one of many real-life experiences students are exposed to at the new First Responder Academy, aimed at preparing them with the necessary attributes, physical fitness, mental health support and skills required for a demanding career as a firefighter, police officer or emergency medical technician.
The academy was introduced by the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education this year and is a collaborative program with the Medicine Hat Police Service, Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services and Medicine Hat College.
“I think the one resounding message they’re all receiving, whether we’re with EMS or at the fire hall or police station, is that there is a level of professionalism within the job, and they’re seeing that from every aspect,” said Fischhofer.
The academy aims to give students interested in police, fire or EMS work a leg up in their career, and became the first of its kind in the province when introduced at the start of this school year.
Students receive hands-on experience, which includes presentations from local first responders and visits to police and fire stations to gain a real-life perspective of the professionalism and work involved in serving the community.
The academy also includes practical training in self-defence and fitness, and is an opportunity to earn post-secondary credits with MHC.
“I think a big part of it for this group, especially going through it for the first time, is realizing the opportunity they have in front of them, and then to tie into that there are higher expectations expected from being part of those positions,” said Patrick Leahy, academy lead instructor. “It’s really cool to watch some of these kids recognize that and immediately rise up and meet that challenge.”
Grade 11 student Ridley Fisher says she is ready to meet that challenge. Since joining the academy Fisher says she is now inspired to become a paramedic in Medicine Hat.
“Probably one of my favourite things has been our EMS presentation, it really inspired me to become an advanced care paramedic,” said Fisher, who has been invited to attend a ride-along with local paramedics.
Wally Ewan, Grade 11, also plans to become a paramedic after graduation and describes himself as the kind of person who enjoys helping others.
“It’s always been my dream to be a first responder,” said Ewan. “Just anything to help out the community and make the world a better place.”
Ewan says the learning experience is vast and students are exposed to a variety of lessons, techniques, training support and first-hand experiences.
“We learn new things every single day,” he said. “Like, you learn little things every day and it’s one thing where I actually come to school for, it’s very hands-on.”
Dylan Nelson, Grade 11, wants to work as a conservation officer outdoors and described the opportunity to learn alongside Medicine Hat officers at headquarters.
“Going down to the police station, seeing all their equipment they have and seeing how it all works … getting more real-world experience with that and kind of moving forward with that experience so I can get a job somewhere in a park,” he said.
Both Heath McLeod and Patrick Payas, Grade 11, say they are interested in a future career as firefighters.
“We went to the fire station … learning about how they do water rescues and seeing the gear they use was really intriguing for me,” said McLeod.
“I look forward to working with a team to solve problems,” said Payas. “That’s what I plan on doing.”
Police chief Alan Murphy says these partnerships are essential to building a safer community, and students graduating the First Responder Academy will have an opportunity to serve where they grew up.
“By working alongside the school division, we’re helping students explore rewarding careers in emergency services while strengthening connections between youth and the police service, ultimately enhancing public safety,” said Murphy.
“These are really good kids,” added Fischhofer. “I think a big part of it for us, too, is just continually providing those reminders and those experience pieces and encouraging them to build that leadership component.”
MHCBE says there are already plans to expand the First Responders Academy next school year.
