Most kids dream of being a firefighter at some point, but a lucky few get to put on the hat and give it a try.
Each semester up to four high school students get a chance to take part in the Prince George Fire Rescue Service's work experience program. Kelly Road Secondary school student Parker Sjodin, 17, is one of the students taking part this semester.
"I've always wanted to be a firefighter," Sjodin said. "I've gone on calls. It was something totally new. You drive by and see how they set it all up. But it's totally different when you're the first to arrive."
Although liability issues mean the students don't get to work side-by-side with firefighters on calls, Sjodin said being able to be along for the ride has been an education.
"They have to expect the unexpected," he said. "It could be worse than what you thought, or better."
Sjodin also found out there is more to being a firefighter than putting out fires.
"I didn't expect how much training was done. They do a lot of training when they're not on calls," he said. "I also got to talk to the guys - find out what the day-to-day life is like."
Each students spends 60 hours working with one of the service's four shifts during afternoons, evenings and weekends.
Sjodin said he had a chance to learn about the equipment firefighters use, train on operating the different types of fire trucks, practice basic first aid and take search and rescue training.
Asked if after his experience he still has the desire to be a firefighter, Sjodin said, "Oh, yeah!"
"It's only made it stronger."
Firefighter Chris Rowland said at least three of the high school students who have taken part in the work experience program are now active-duty firefighters.
"These young guys are the future of the service," Rowland said. "It just gives them an insight into our job, and how our job is so different than other jobs."
To take part in the program, students must apply through their school counselor service. Students must fill out an application, provide a resume and references, then make it through the interview process.
