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Bemidji Fire Department partnering on 'Inclusive Fire Brigade'

Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood and Lead for Inclusion announced the Inclusive Fire Brigade to the Bemidji City Council, launching the program to demonstrate inclusion and accessibility.
Lead for Inclusion started because its founders saw exclusion among youth with disabilities, aiming to build accessible spaces through skill development, advocacy and inclusive social activities in the Bemidji community.
Monthly training will cover station tours, first aid/CPR, strengths identification, and emphasize nontraditional roles that 'don’t necessarily have to be on a handline,' organizers said.
The initiative aims to scale into a citywide model for inclusion, with Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood planning to ease access to duties for people with disabilities and organizers hoping to inspire other fire departments and local businesses.
Conversations between Lead for Inclusion member Asher Geller and Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood led to monthly trainings as the program launches, with plans to expand sessions as it gains traction.

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Bemidji Fire Department partnering on 'Inclusive Fire Brigade'

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Asher Geller has long wanted to be a firefighter. “I love helping people and being part of a team, and I’m also really interested in the fire department, fire engines and history,” Geller said. “I also have a disability and, sometimes, people underestimate me or don’t give me an opportunity.” Through Bemidji’s Lead for Inclusion program, Geller and others will get the chance to get involved in a potential first-in-the-nation par…

3 days ago·Fargo, United States

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