Flashing lights and sirens have always captivated Keelan Choboter. 

He had lots of exposure to them, growing up. After all, his dad served as firefighter for years, and Keelan recalls he practically grew in the La Glace fire hall, just down the road from the family home. 

Now in Grade 12 at Sexsmith Secondary School, Keelan says it’s still one of his favourite places to be and he’s looking forward to turning 18 in February. 

And it’s not for just the obvious reasons. Turning 18, Keelan explains, will allow him to make his first call out with his fellow fire crewmen and women at La Glace Station 1.

He says his next birthday will be the culmination of two years of hard work, as well as the beginning of a lifelong dream. 

Keelan signed up for the fire cadet program the day he turned 16. In other words, as soon as he could. 

Ever since, Keelan has taken nearly every opportunity afforded him through the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire service training, and is working toward the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certification which will make him internationally qualified.

“A firefighter was always something I wanted to be, because of my dad,” said Keelan. 

His dad, Tyler Choboter, joined the La Glace fire hall in 2009 and just recently retired from his position as captain of the station. 

“I grew up around it, I hung out at the station and really kind of grew up here, though I wasn’t allowed to touch anything,” he smiles. 

He is now. 

He tours me around the station, well-versed in every piece of equipment from the engines to the tender, self-contained breathing apparatus, cleaning equipment, and how crew staffing works on the outgoing trucks. 

Being a cadet offers stellar life skills and future career opportunities, says Keelan. 

“First, this is a paid position, and it’s perfect for those in high school,” he said. “While you’re on shift, you have time to study for the necessary courses.” He said cadets are required to attend a minimum of half of the department’s weekly training nights at the fire hall in a year.

“You can go as far as you want or can.”

Keelan was impressed with the opportunities. “(The county) pays for your training and there’s a free uniform,” he laughs. He notes the flight of courses that deliver international firefighter certification at Lakeland College, for example, costs several thousand dollars.

Having cadet experience on the resume has been an advantage for Keelan, he said. “Often, it can get your foot in the door.

“There’s a lot of respect that comes with it.”

Being a cadet instills some pretty handy life skills, Keelan notes, recalling previous discomfort with public speaking. Being a cadet for the past two years has eliminated that and given him confidence he didn’t have there before. 

But Keelan says some of the most critical benefits have come from learning important strategies in how to react in emergency situations. In particular, he recalls a health emergency with a family member. 

“It’s always harder when it’s someone in your family, but I was able to recall my training, remain calm and hold my composure and be effective,” he said. 

Serving people with respect has been a guiding principle for Keelan. 

“It’s a people first mentality with the fire crew, and I personally feed off that,” he said. “It’s a good reminder that it’s not about me, it’s about people.” 

Down the road, he sees his career in emergency services and knows any and all of the certification he’s receiving via La Glace Station 1 will help.

Whether he ends up a full-time firefighter, paramedic or in enforcement services, Keelan says he will continue to serve La Glace Station 1.  

“I enjoy helping people, it’s my way of giving to my community in every way I can.”

More cadets needed

The County of Grande Prairie ATCO Fire Cadet Program is open to youth living in the County of Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. It’s a great opportunity for high school students to explore their own abilities, work with professional firefighters and learn important life and leadership skills.

Some fire cadet learning takes place in the classroom, but a lot happens out in the field, guided by professional firefighters using real firefighting equipment. It’s a great way to be physically and mentally engaged, while learning about yourself and your potential. The one-semester program can also earn you high school credits.

You’re eligible if you:

Are between 16 and 18 years old

Have an interest in firefighting and emergency medical co-response

Are comfortable with physically demanding tasks

Time commitment is one semester at 8-10 hours per month.

For information,  countygp.ab.ca/en/living-in-our-community/cadet-firefighter-program.aspx