Georgian reveals student training vehicle with a fiery new look
May 1, 2025
To mark International Firefighters’ Day on May 4, Georgian is unveiling a new fire truck training vehicle to enhance student learning in the Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training program. With support and funding from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities and Research Excellence and Security, the fire truck comes fully-equipped with the tools and equipment that are used within the fire service, including high-efficiency hoses and nozzles, thermal imaging cameras, rapid intervention crew kits and powered equipment.
Georgian’s training firehall and surrounding training grounds will be the truck’s new home for day-to-day course requirements and live fire evolutions where students learn the foundational skills of fire suppression and emergency response.
Bethany Readman, Professor and Program Coordinator in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program, says this new vehicle is an asset that bridges theoretical instruction with real-world application, ensuring students are better prepared for the demands of front-line emergency response.
Students gain hands-on experience with the same equipment and systems they’ll encounter in the field—learning to operate the equipment, manage water supply, deploy hose lines and conduct apparatus checks with accuracy. The fire truck also serves as a mobile lab where students can develop critical teamwork, communication and decision-making skills in realistic training scenarios. This investment directly enhances the quality and relevance of our students’ training, producing graduates who are safer, more skilled and ready to meet the operational needs of today’s fire services.
She adds that this vehicle helps boost students’ confidence, improves safety awareness and ensures they’re learning the best practices from the start. The modern equipment also allows instructors to create more effective, engaging and scenario-based training, helping students better understand the ‘why’ behind their actions.
Student takes second chance at dream firefighting career
We also spoke with Mackenzie Keays, a current student in the Pre-service Firefighter program, to learn about his journey and how Georgian has prepared him for his career.
Why did you choose the Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training program at Georgian?
I chose this program because I was always inspired by the idea of serving the community and being there for people during their toughest moments. I specifically chose Georgian because it has a great reputation for the fire program and I’m local.
I originally started the program a few years ago, but life took me in a different direction for a while. My entire family moved to the United States, so I had to make a little money before I returned. I always knew I’d come back, though. The dream of becoming a firefighter never really left me. I reached a point where I knew it was time to finish what I started and I’m really proud of myself for coming back.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a firefighter?
Firefighting stood out to me the most because I grew up playing team sports and firefighting is very team oriented. I’ve always loved helping people and it just felt natural to become a firefighter.
What’s the most challenging part of firefighter training? What’s the most exciting part?
The most challenging part is definitely the physical and mental endurance. You’re constantly being pushed outside your comfort zone. But honestly, that’s also what makes it exciting. The most thrilling part is when we’re running drills or simulations. It’s the closest thing to real-life action and it gets your heart racing in the best way.
How has this program prepared you for your future, personally and professionally?
This program has built my confidence in so many ways. It’s not just about learning the skills of a firefighter, it’s about discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience. I’ve grown as a person and feel ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.
What advice would you give future students interested in this program and career?
Be ready to work hard and give it your all. Stay focused, ask questions and lean on your classmates – they’re going through it with you. If I could go back and do it all over again, I’d get a trade or a higher level of EMS like paramedic before taking the program. Firefighters tend to be hired at an older age (not always) and having a trade or paramedic experience will boost your resumé. If you take the fire program right after, you can get right to job searching with all the skills fresh on your mind.
How has your experience been at the college? What do you like best about Georgian?
My experience has been great. What I like best is how supportive the instructors and classmates are; it feels like a second family. Georgian also has a lot of instructors who are full-time firefighters and it’s great to hear and know about their personal views within the service.
I’m grateful for the second chance to come back and finish the program. It’s pretty crazy how far hard work and dedication can get you. My first round at Georgian I was 18/19 years old and was an average student who blended into the crowd. Yes, I did fall in the love with firefighting through the program, but I wasn’t mature enough to take it as serious as I should have. My second time around I came into the program with a good head on my shoulders and worked hard to eventually become the class president. Georgian has been an important part of my journey and I’m excited for what’s next.