A grade 3 Ocean Grove Elementary student went on a memorable field trip.
Scotia Grant spent a day with Campbell River firefighters after she was randomly selected to be Fire Chief for a Day on Jan. 7th.
“The Fire Chief for a Day program is part of the fire department’s prevention program, and an effective way to connect with community members to raise awareness through educating young children,” says fire chief Thomas Doherty, who handed the reigns over to Scotia for the day. “It’s also a great opportunity for children to get a firsthand look at daily operations in the fire department and to work side by side with our firefighters.”
During Scotia’s time as Fire Chief for a Day, she was picked up from school in the morning by firefighters in a fire truck and was taken to the downtown fire hall.
After touring the fire station, Scotia inspected fire truck safety equipment and participated in training.
She spent time touring and learning about the emergency dispatch centre as well.
Mayor Andy Adams, fire chief Doherty and firefighters treated Scotia to lunch at McDonald’s prior to her return to school.
Doherty adds the fire department is hoping to drive home the message that fire prevention week is a 365-day-a-year initiative.
“Instead of holding the Fire Chief for a Day event in October during Fire Prevention Week, we spread our fire prevention activities throughout the year to raise awareness. In Campbell River, we’re putting more emphasis on fire prevention and public fire and life safety throughout the year and across the city.”
The fire department thanks Scotia and her family for participating in Fire Chief for a Day, along with Mary and Jens Rolinski at McDonald’s for sponsoring the program.
