On Monday, June 2, students at Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke took part in a special emergency response training session. Two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) classes learned hands-on flood mitigation and emergency skills. The training was part of a new pilot program launched through a partnership between the County of Renfrew Emergency Management team and Renfrew County Paramedics.
The program is called the Delta Team, a new initiative that aims to strengthen emergency response in Renfrew County. It focuses on preparing volunteers and building community resilience in the face of emergencies like floods, storms, and other disasters. Bishop Smith is the first school to test this training as the County works to refine it before rolling it out to more high schools in the future.
Commander Steve Osipenko of the Renfrew County Paramedic Service says the program is about building a trained, reliable group of volunteers who can step in during emergencies. “We want to raise the bar, engage our community, and make Renfrew County a better, safer place to live,” he said.
The Delta Team will be formally introduced to the public in the coming months, with volunteer signups and community training sessions expected to begin this fall. Organizers believe getting youth involved early is key, as students are mature, adaptable, and eager to help.
The County hopes this pilot program will lead to a full rollout across all local schools, creating a new generation of trained young leaders who are ready to support their communities when it matters most.
(Written by: Emma Butler)
