Chris

Why did you choose Humber College?

Having a lot of friends in the GTA, several peers told me that Humber was an amazing school with great opportunities. I had a friend in the Pre-Service Firefighter program several years ago, and he enjoyed it. He told me how amazing the training, education, and Captains were. After hearing about his experience, there was no doubt that Humber College was the place where I wanted to spend my post-secondary experience.

What are your career aspirations?

I aspire to be involved with technical rescue, fire suppression, and even being an instructor for the Pre-Service Firefighter program. Being taught and led by all these amazing Captains here at Humber, they have inspired me to follow in their footsteps by being a teacher for future Pre-Service students. Technical rescue has always stood out to me, specifically high-angle rope rescue. After finishing this program, I aspire to be involved with that in any way I can. While doing all of that, I want to be involved in fire suppression in Toronto, Vaughan, or Hamilton.

How have the faculty helped you on the road to reaching your goals?

The first thing I would mention is that the Captains in the Pre-Service program do their very best to help us succeed in whatever we do. They push us outside of our comfort zone and past what we think our limit is, and this is done in a safe environment. They helped us develop our critical thinking, communication skills, overall resiliency, and several other things throughout the program. This program has District Chiefs and Captains from Toronto, Vaughn, Oakville, and Mississauga. This means we learn from first-hand firefighters who are currently on the job. The Pre-Service Firefighter program has extraordinary faculty who help us with our journey to joining the Fire Service. There are not enough words to describe how helpful and inspiring the Captains and Chiefs are here at Humber College.

What would you say has been the single best learning experience in the program you are in?

Personally, the single best learning experience was the burn days. Everything we learned throughout the two semesters is put into a structure fire simulation at a training facility. We use wooden pallets and bails of hay for fuel and set multiple fires within the two-storey structure. During burn days, we incorporate fire suppression, ventilation, search and rescue, overhaul, and rehab. We are dispatched as if it were a real call, and we operate accordingly. Without a doubt, burn days provide the best learning experience that the Pre-Service Firefighter program has to offer.

What elements of the program are best preparing you for your career?

The practical (hands-on) component is a major help in preparing all of us for the career of firefighting. With the hands-on element, the information and theory learned in the classroom become solidified in our heads, which is essential. The practical components are fun but also challenging, and at times they will push you to the limit. Nevertheless, it is an essential aspect of the program, and it is an amazing time to grow and work with the peers around you.

Would you recommend this program to others and why?

For those who have a passion for this career path, I would 100% recommend Humber College’s Pre-Service Firefighter program. There are multiple reasons why I would recommend it, several of those reasons include the following:

• The instructors are active firefighters from the GTA who have years of experience, and you will have the opportunity to learn from them!
• This program will push you beyond what you believe to be your limit.
• You will meet peers with the same drive and passion for the same career.
• It is a fast-paced program with a lot of information to learn, however, it all works together to prepare you for the extremely gratifying career ahead.
• It is a fun and enjoyable experience, and you get to enjoy it with amazing people.

Add anything you see as being relevant?

When I first began the program, I doubted myself, and I constantly asked myself if I had chosen the right path. I was scared and worried. As I progressed through the months, my confidence grew, and I noticed growth within myself. As time went on and I continued to work through the program, I became smarter, stronger, and more resilient. I also developed better teamwork skills and grew as a leader. My point is, for anybody who decides to join this program, it is normal to have doubts and fears. You will learn to trust the process and that through hard work and dedication, you will make it.