Firefighters from across the County of Vermilion River spent last week expanding their emergency response skills through NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations training.

The course provided firefighters with the foundational knowledge needed to safely recognize, isolate and respond to incidents involving hazardous materials and dangerous chemicals. Participants completed both in-class and online coursework before putting their training into action during practical exercises held in Clandonald over the weekend.

The hands-on portion of the training challenged candidates to apply what they had learned through a series of realistic emergency response scenarios before undergoing evaluations and testing.

The County of Vermilion River thanked several instructors and evaluators who helped deliver the program, including Clandonald Deputy Chief Lyle Lawrence, who served as lead instructor, Vermilion Fire Captain Bryce Lytle for teaching and Dewberry Fire Captain Tyler Haney for evaluating participants.

Officials also recognized the commitment shown by firefighters who took time away from their regular work and personal schedules to complete the training and strengthen emergency response capabilities throughout the region.

Departments represented in the training included:

• Blackfoot Fire and Rescue
• Clandonald Fire and Rescue
• Dewberry Fire & Rescue
• Islay Fire and Rescue
• Kitscoty Fire Department
• Marwayne Fire & Rescue
• Paradise Valley Fire Department
• Vermilion Fire & Rescue Department

The NFPA 1072 certification helps ensure firefighters are prepared to respond safely and effectively when hazardous materials incidents occur, improving community safety across the County of Vermilion River and surrounding area.