Future Firefighters Learn The Ropes At The Lakeland Emergency Training Centre

On October 15, the Lakeland Emergency Training Centre (ETC) transformed into a hands-on learning playground for the students of Vermilion Play Development. With flashing lights, firefighter gear, and high-energy learning, the firehouse tour was an unforgettable experience—filled with laughter, excitement, and life-saving lessons.

From the moment they stepped through the doors, the children were captivated by Training Officer Don Keenan, whose enthusiasm and storytelling brought the ETC to life. He led the group through the famous “helmet hallway,” where each class leaves behind a custom-decorated helmet as a mark of their time at the centre. Keenan paused to highlight some of the helmets and proudly pointed out his own photos on the wall, sparking eager chatter from the young visitors.

The tour quickly moved into the fire truck bay, where the excitement reached new heights. Firefighter Desiree demonstrated how to gear up for action, with Firefighter Mackenzie assisting step by step. Keenan turned the process into an interactive game, asking the children, “Is she ready?” only to be met with a chorus of enthusiastic “No’s!” until the final piece of gear was in place. The group also learned about the buddy system, a crucial safety measure ensuring that firefighters always work in pairs.

To help ease any fears, Keenan explained how someone in full gear might look scary in a real fire—but emphasized that they are the ones there to help. Several kids even had the chance to suit up in child-sized firefighter gear, with one young visitor arriving already dressed for duty in a mini jacket and pants.

The excitement continued outside as Firefighters Mackenzie and Desiree helped each child climb into the front and back of a real fire truck. With hands on the wheel and big smiles for photos, many were already imagining themselves behind the sirens someday.

Back inside, the children got to try their hands at spraying water from a real fire hose onto a small training house just beyond the bay doors. Cheers and giggles filled the room as each child took their turn, while others snapped pictures with Keenan and a firefighter cutout nearby.

The visit ended with an important lesson on smoke safety. Two ETC students joined the firefighters to demonstrate how smoke rises and why staying low can save lives. Using a blanket as a pretend smoke layer, the kids practiced crawling underneath it—taking in vital information in a fun and memorable way.

Before boarding the bus back to their day, the children made sure to thank their hosts and chat excitedly about the morning’s adventures. For many, it was more than just a tour—it was the spark of a lifelong interest in helping others.

This tour was just one of several hosted by the ETC this week as part of Fire Prevention Week. These community tours are more than just field trips, they’re a vital part of educating future generations and building trust between first responders and the families they serve. The Emergency Training Centre continues to play an essential role in community outreach, helping young people learn fire safety in a fun, engaging, and hands-on way.