The first annual Camp Molly Quinte has been praised as a success.
Thirty-five girls from either Quinte West or Belleville graduated from the four-day Camp Molly in a ceremony held Sunday afternoon
at Belleville Fire Station # 1.
First graduating class from Camp Molly Quinte. (Photo: City of Belleville/Twitter)
The girls, between the ages of 15 and 18, were taught firefighting skills such as fire suppression, use of the jaws of life, first aid, and investigative techniques.
Belleville Fire Chief Monique Belaire started the Camp Molly program while working at Oakville Fire Department and spearheaded the initiative locally.
Belleville Fire Chief Monique Belair addresses graduates and guests Sunday July 17 2022. (Photo: Sean Kelly/Twitter)
Camp Molly is meant to introduce young women to the fire services in hopes of inspiring more of them to become firefighters.
The camp was a partnership between the Belleville and Quinte West fire departments with most of the training being done at the Hastings & Prince Edward County Fire Training Complex in Trenton.
From left to right: Volunteer firefighter Reagan Smith, Reagan’s father MPP Todd Smith, Belleville Councillor (sunglasses) Sean Kelly, Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk, MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, and Mayor of Quinte West Jim Harrison. (Photo: Sean Kelly/Twitter)
