Youth Emergency Services Academy inspires future first responders

By Shelley Winger
Thirty youth from across Sturgeon County spent three days exploring careers in
emergency services during the 2025 Youth Emergency Services (YES) Academy,
gaining hands-on experience alongside police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other
emergency services professionals.
Held July 20 to 22, the academy introduced participants to the demands and rewards of
emergency service careers through practical training, demonstrations and interactive
activities.
The inaugural academy brought together youth interested in emergency services for three
days of learning and hands-on experiences with agencies from across the region.
Participants worked alongside RCMP officers, firefighters, Community Peace Officers,
paramedics, STARS Air Ambulance and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, giving
them a broad look at the many career paths available in public safety.
Throughout the program, recruits took part in fitness testing, toured the RCMP’s Real
Time Operations Centre, learned about specialized policing units and participated in
emergency response scenarios designed to build teamwork, communication and
leadership skills.
Beyond learning technical skills, the academy emphasized teamwork, communication
and problem-solving through realistic scenarios and physical challenges. Participants also
had the opportunity to meet emergency services professionals, ask questions about their
careers and gain insight into the day-to-day realities of working on the front lines.
Sturgeon County said the academy aims to help youth explore career opportunities while
building confidence and practical skills. For participant Dominic Kam, the experience
confirmed his interest in emergency services.
“I learned a lot, met some awesome people, and got to challenge myself in new ways,”
Kam said. “It made me even more interested in a career in emergency services. It was an
awesome experience.”
The academy was supported by numerous community partners, including the RCMP,
local fire departments, Community Peace Officers, STARS Air Ambulance, the Canadian
Armed Forces, the Rotary Club of Morinville Sturgeon and Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch.
Rotary volunteers also provided meals for the 30 participants throughout the three-day
event.

Sturgeon County said the academy was created to inspire the next generation of first
responders by offering meaningful, real-world experiences. Based on the success of this
year’s program, the county plans to announce details about the next YES Academy in the
future.