Female First Responders Camp encouraging women to pursue career in emergency services

The Lanark County OPP is celebrating 50 years of women in policing and is continuing to encourage females to seek careers in police, fire, and paramedics.

Smiths Falls Police Service, Smiths Falls Fire Department, Perth Fire Services, Lanark County Paramedic Service and Lanark OPP officers are working together to prepare for their annual Lanark County Female First Responders Camp, wrote OPP East Region in a X post.

The camp  — set to take place October 18 and 19  — is a two-day immersive experience that introduces young women into the world of firefighting, paramedic services and law enforcement.

“It’s a great opportunity for women to come out for the day, at no cost to them, and to have a hands-on experience,” said Staff Sergeant Jacqueline Entwistle with Lanark OPP.

The complimentary camp is geared towards young women between the ages of 15 and 19 years old. Campers will learn how to use personal protective equipment, basic first aid, emergency scene control, ladder operations and search and rescue.

The program is designed to inform participants about career options, and open opportunities for rewarding careers in law enforcement, firefighting, or paramedic services.

Campers will be divided into groups based on age, and will rotate through various stations where they will participate in activities like running through a fitness pin test and learning defensive tactics, Entwistle added.

Based on data from Statistics Canada, only 21 per cent of Ontario police officers in 2023 were women.

While OPP says there has been a gradual decline in women joining the force, this program is aimed at high-school age females, who may be considering their next steps.

“Our goal is to provide information to young women and a chance for women in Lanark County to think about a career in emergency services,” she said.

According to police, 24 youth took part in the last year’s camp and they are hoping the camp will accommodate even more participants from Lanark County, this year.

The female first responders camp is funded through sponsorships with police and fire associations, businesses, the County of Lanark, and Lanark County Crime Stoppers.

OPP will be announcing details on how to register, in the coming weeks.