Spending a day with the Penticton Fire Department may ignite a career for Payton Nackoney.
The 17-year-old Pen High student got some hands-on experience with firefighters and some of their signature equipment as she prepares for Camp Ignite in August.
She has been sponsored by the Penticton Fire Department to head to the camp which runs from August 6-9. She hopes to make a difference with her career choice, making firefighting a good fit.
“Just being able to help people, being able to work with the community, it seems like a lot of fun too,” Nackoney said.
She was taken through some basic training on extricating a person from a car with the jaws of life and working with a fire hose. With the temperature hitting over 30 degrees Celsius, Nackoney got some first-hand experience with the heat firefighters face.
“It’s fun, but it’s very warm,” Nackoney laughed.
She also got taken out on a few calls during a busy day at the fire hall.
Camp Ignite is a four-day camp for females in Grades 11-12 who want to explore a career in firefighting. Nackoney will take on some more basic training with firefighter tools like the jaws of life, as well as learning first aid and an exercise where recruits drag a dummy out of a smokey building. The camp also teaches recruits about fitness, nutrition, health and teamwork.
“It’s everything that you’ll need to know really,” Nackoney said.
For more information on joining Camp Ignite or becoming a sponsor visit www.campignite.com.