The Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy (EOETA) was born the Eastern Ontario Volunteer Fire Fighters Training Academy in the early 1980s. Local leaders representing business and the community came together with a vision for the academy. They realized that the training of their volunteer fire fighters in the local counties was essential to the well-being of their communities from not only a safety perspective but also as sustainability perspective.

With the generous donation of 20 acres of land at 36 Industrial Drive in Norwood, Ontario by the Norwood Lion’s Club, this group was able to bring the academy to life. In 1984, the academy was formally organized as a not-for-profit corporation. Many fundraising activities occurred in the early years and along with other donations of materials and labour, the academy grew to the facility that it is today.

Over the years, the user group of the academy has evolved and the Boards of Directors of the days have changed its name a couple of times. Recently, it was changed to its current name as the Board realized the user group now goes beyond fire fighters. The business model that was originally designed by its originators continues to mature with time. The intent was for the academy to operate on its own without sustainable funding from any tax base and this is the case.

Through reasonably priced rentals and course offerings, the academy is able to operate, maintain and expand its assets. Its user base continues to diversify and as the province moves toward a regional model of training delivery, the academy is well-positioned to play a key role.

With much appreciation, the EOETA does receive an annual grant from the County of Peterborough which goes toward maintaining reasonably priced training and facility rental rates for the local fire departments. The EOETA contributes significantly to the local economy through its purchase of goods and services in Norwood and the Counties. From training supplies to grounds maintenance, the EOETA makes every effort to use local resources whenever possible. During their visits to the academy, students and guest instructors frequent local restaurants, stores and motels.

Today’s Board of Directors is comprised of 12 Fire Chiefs who are appointed by their municipalities of Peterborough and Northumberland Counties, to oversee the operations at the EOETA. The user group exceeds 30 and is growing. The EOETA serves as a primary training site for Sir Sanford Fleming College’s Pre-Service Fire Program. Other colleges and companies use the academy on an as-needed basis. Local fire departments send their fire fighters to courses at the academy. They are also able to rent the facility and/or its equipment to conduct their own training exercises.

Emergency responders are eternally grateful to the visionaries who saw the value of the academy. Today, the academy offers a variety of courses and facilities for responders to learn and practice a variety of skills. Emergency responders are better equipped to face the challenging incidents that occur daily. Our communities are safer and better places to live as a result.