The request for university-level certificate training was initiated by a group of firefighters from the Lévis fire safety department. To meet the demand, UQÀR made its campus and peripheral teaching resources available, while Polytechnique provided the program of study, a Québec exclusive, in Lévis.

The 40 people admitted to the program come from as far as Matane, east of Québec City, and Drummondville, to the west. The program of study is intended for managers as well as for supervising officers who wish to hone their skills or move into a fire safety management career path. Firefighters who have previously completed officer training are also eligible.

"UQÀR is very proud of this partnership, which truly demonstrates how collaboration between university institutions and the working world can foster the development of skills and services in rural and remote areas," said Robert Paré, Vice-Rector of Planning and Partnerships at UQÀR's Lévis campus.

Claude Chevalier, head of the fire safety emergency operations management certification program at Polytechnique Montréal, is very enthusiastic to note that firefighters from the provincial capital region are interested in continuing education and in developing fire safety management skills.

"The program aims to develop the participants' skills such that they can then obtain the Officer 3- and Officer 4-level certifications recognized throughout North America," he said. "Thanks to this preparatory program, the community will benefit from having professionals on hand who are even better prepared to ensure that they are protected and safe. By the same token, tomorrow's managers will be better equipped to face the various challenges of the profession." 
 

Left to right : Robert Paré, Vice-Rector of Planning and Partnerships at UQÀR's Lévis campus, with Réjean Pérusse, Chief, Operations Division, Lévis fire safety department, Lieutenant Christian Poiré of the Lévis fire safety department and Polytechnique Montréal instructor Martin Guilbault.

To find out more about the program :
http://www.polymtl.ca/etudes/cfc/cheminement/urgence.php