A young lady from Langley got a firsthand look at what it takes to be a firefighter through a camp designed to inspire girls to follow their dreams.
D.W. Poppy Secondary School graduate Jessie Morriss was one of 17 girls aged 15 to 18 chosen for Camp Ignite, which was held August 8 – 11 at UBC. During the four-day camp, participants learned about firefighting techniques ranging from how to handle a fire hose and suppress a fire, to CPR training and fitness enhancement. They were mentored by female firefighters from throughout the Lower Mainland and sponsored by local businesses and fire departments.
The Township of Langley Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4550 funded Morriss’s application and registration costs and the Township of Langley Fire Department loaned her the necessary firefighter’s clothing and protective gear.
Morriss, who will be attending university in Texas on a rodeo scholarship, was chosen for the program with help from the Langley School District and was required to submit a resume, councillor’s recommendation, and an outline of her community involvement. Camp Ignite participants also had to have high academic achievements and write an essay describing a person they look up to and how they see themselves learning from that person.