When Chelsey Mirasty crossed the stage at Lakeland College’s firefighter training graduation in June, it was her mother, Captain Michelle Vandevord who handed her the certificate. It was not the first time Mirasty had followed in her mother’s footsteps. In fact, her mother’s 27-year firefighting career was one of the biggest reasons Mirasty decided to pursue the profession herself. Vandevord is the longest-serving member of her firehall and the director of Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management.

Mirasty, from Muskoday First Nation, worked in mine rescue and for a volunteer fire department when she enrolled at Lakeland’s firefighting program’s blended option. Being able to complete the training in a blended format was a major part of the appeal.

“It was a great course. It worked out really well for my schedule,” she explains. “Everything was more manageable, especially as I was still working. There was a lot bundled into those 12 weeks online but I was able to stick to the guidelines of what I was supposed to accomplish each week.”

Working in mine rescue gave her a headstart on the curriculum, as she already knew first aid, confined space management, rope rescue and how to put out a fire. Her instructors also supported her during the online portion of the program, checking in and making sure to keep things on track.

Though she worried about spending time away from home, Mirasty says the in-person training on campus was worth the six weeks away.

“Learning in the textbook is one thing,” she says, “But when you do the hands-on part, you really are getting the best quality. Lakeland has a wide variety of training materials and props. Getting to learn on all the stuff here, seeing them light up the industrial props, getting to drive the firetrucks, it’s phenomenal and adds to the experience.”

Another important part was the bonds she formed with her classmates, something that is important in the fire response industry. Despite only being on campus for six weeks, the hard work and long days helped her class form a tightknit group.

“We had a really good crew,” she ways. “We formed a brother and sisterhood. Some days were longer than others but everyone got really close. A lot of us are going to stay in contact with each other and let each other know how things are going and where we all end up.”

At the graduation ceremony, Mirasty was awarded the Centennial Emergency Training Achieving Award in recognition of her academic achievement, commitment to the firefighting profession, and contributions to the success of her fellow classmates. The highest honour she received, however, were the credentials handed to her by her mother.

“It was great having my mom be the one to hand me all of my certificates,” Mirasty says. “She’s been in the service for 27 years and she’s a huge part of why I wanted to go down this path. Following in her footsteps and then having her be here to hand everything to me was a really good experience.”