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16 fire fighting students graduate from Winnipeg’s new DEI program

October 3, 2022, Winnipeg – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) hosted a celebration today for the 16 graduates of the first year of the Diversity and Equity Fire Training (DEFT) program.

The WFPS held a formal graduation ceremony at the Winnipeg Fire Fighters Museum to honour the graduates who have all attained the Manitoba Emergency Services College’s (MESC) Firefighter I and II certification.

This training has traditionally required full-time schooling in-person at the MESC in Brandon, Manitoba for nine months. This new program provides an opportunity for Winnipeg residents from designated equity groups to train in the evenings in Winnipeg for 12 months, eliminating traditional room and board costs and reducing the barriers associated with fees, time, and transportation required to become certified as a firefighter.

While registration for the 2022-23 class is full, residents can apply for future years. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit winnipeg.ca/fps/careers for more information about how to apply for the program.