Boundary Bay Fire Hall #4 was filled with pride and celebration on Friday, March 13 as the fourth annual Delta Fire Youth Academy came to a close. Sixteen Grade 12 students selected from a competitive pool of 50 applicants - officially completed the intensive program, marking the end of months of effort, commitment, and hands-on training.
This year's academy began back in the fall, when students took part in fitness testing, first aid training, and community volunteer work to prepare for the highly anticipated week-long practical firefighting experience in March 2026. Over the past week, participants have rolled fire hoses, tackled live fires, cut open vehicles, and even rappelled down buildings experiences that pushed them outside their comfort zones and offered a real-world look into the life of a firefighter.
Family members and school district staff gathered on Friday to watch the students demonstrate their newly acquired skills.
A Community Effort Fueling the Next Generation of Firefighters
The Delta Fire Youth Academy is a collaborative initiative between Delta Fire & Emergency Services, the Delta Firefighters Association Local 1763, the City of Delta, and the Delta School District.
"I want to thank the firefighters for the work they continue to put into this program every year to make it such a valuable and memorable experience for students," said Lisa Chapieski, District Coordinator Student Options & Opportunities, Delta School District. "It's equally rewarding to watch the students demonstrate such strong commitment. They learn about giving back to their community, setting goals, and following their passion, all of which will stand them in good stead for future success. These 16 students should be incredibly proud not only of their achievements this past week, but also of their volunteer work to support the Firefighters' Healthy Snack Program in schools across Delta."
Delta Fire & Emergency Services Deputy Chief of Training and Communications, Mike Donoghue, echoed the sentiment: "I have nothing but praise for the students. They showed a passion for learning and did everything we asked of them. They should be extremely proud of what they have achieved."
Partners in Encouraging Youth Success
Delta Board of Education Chair Joe Muego expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the district:
"Delta firefighters already care for students through their Healthy Snack Program, which supports learning by ensuring that no student is hungry at school, and their support of the Battle of the Badges hockey game, which advocates against bullying. The Delta Fire Youth Academy is yet another example of Delta firefighters being leaders and mentors in the community by offering an incredible opportunity for students. We couldn't be more grateful."
Delta Firefighters Local 1763 Secretary Cole McQueen encouraged the students to stay connected: "You should all be really proud of the work you've put in this week. You've shown a strong work ethic, willingness to support each other, and grown in maturity. We are always here for you whether you want to volunteer, need advice, or a reference. Come visit us anytime."
Students Inspired to Pursue Firefighting Careers
Year after year, the feedback from the students is nothing short of amazing, and this year is no different. Every one of the 16 participants expressed a desire to pursue firefighting a testament to the academy's impact.
"It's the greatest thing I have ever done," said Robert. "Firefighting involves things you don't normally do being in confined or smoke-filles spaces and rappelling down buildings. This program helped me understand the reality of the job and determine that I'm suited to it. As a result, I'm even more committed now."
"The program has been amazing," shared Ava. "I'm so proud of how much I've learned in such a short time. The days were jam-packed. We had some struggles, but we pushed through them. I know firefighting is my passion, and so I'll be reaching out to volunteer with Delta firefighters in the future."
Kian added: "I've wanted to be a firefighter since I was young. Saving lives and putting out fires is so noble and heroic. It's something I knew I wanted to do. This academy was the perfect opportunity to gain some real-world experience. Everyone has been so welcoming - it's been wonderful."
Kian also offered future participants a piece of hard-earned wisdom: "Be 15 minutes early." Students discovered that late arrival by even one student resulted in the entire group doing push-ups!
Planning for the Future
Training Captain Daniel Willing emphasized the broader value of the academy: "This program helps us reach students from different cultures and backgrounds who might never have considered firefighting as a career. It's a pathway to a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the future."
McQueen concluded by reflecting on the effort required behind the scenes: "It's special to see the students' growth. At first it can be hard to get their attention, but once they see how each part of the program builds on the next, we see them focusing and doing everything right. This program means the world to me. It takes enormous coordination with the school district, and we couldn't do it without Lisa's support. I can't wait to see our first recruit from this program - we know it's only a couple of years away!"
Congratulations to the 2026 Delta Fire Youth Academy Graduates
- Ava Jackson - Burnsview Secondary
- Robert Muranaka Sands - Delta Secondary
- Max Kobus - Delta Secondary
- Kian McGee - Delview Secondary
- Harman Sidhu - North Delta Secondary
- Gursewak Singh - Sands Secondary
- Nathan Manery - Sands Secondary
- Ryan Moore - South Delta Secondary
- Ivy Atherton - South Delta Secondary
- Dylan Lappin - South Delta Secondary
- Spencer Lauder - South Delta Secondary
- David Christian-Olson - South Delta Secondary
- Matthew Airey - Seaquam Secondary
- Payton Harper - Seaquam Secondary
- Gurjind Gill - Seaquam Secondary
- Gavin Niles - Seaquam Secondary
