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38 | Citizens Report 2017
A Legacy of
Leadership
“Citizens have probably seen Youth
Academy members out at events like
the Santa Claus Parade, CP Holiday Train
and other community and charity events
alongside our career and paid-on-call
members,” said Assistant Chief Juurakko.
“These students become part of our
firefighting family for the year.”
That family connection is important.
This year’s Youth Academy team has
three members who have family who
are part of the Fire Department. Of the
161 students who have been part of
the program, 20 students have gone
on to become first responders; 18 as
firefighters, both career and volunteer/
paid-on-call including two police
dispatchers .
In 1998, the Maple Ridge Fire
Department Youth Academy was
established in partnership with School
District No. 42. This work experience
program is open to grade 11 and 12
high school students in Maple Ridge
and the application process begins the
first day of school in September.
Students are required to complete an
application form, develop a resume with
references providing a driver’s abstract,
criminal record check and get clearance
from their family doctor. The schools pre-
screen applicants to ensure they have
a C+ average from the year before and
then those qualifying students proceed
to the interview stage.
“This program requires an investment
of the student’s time and there are many
activities that will occur outside school
hours. We are looking for young men
and women who will be able to maintain
their academic success in all their other
subjects. That is the first priority,” said
Assistant Chief Timo Juurakko, who has
been overseeing the program since the
fall of 2000.
Once the successful candidates
are selected they are invited to an
information meeting with their parents