FERGUS – Chase MacLeod-Carberry was named junior fire chief for the day on June 18.
He won the opportunity as part of a contest held by Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW), in partnership with Centre Wellington Fire Rescue.
Local students from grades four to six entered the contest by discussing fire safety with a parent or guardian, and submitting a fire escape plan for their residence, along with a donation to CSGW.
Centre Wellington Fire Rescue officials looked over the submissions and chose MacLeod-Carberry.
On June 18, MacLeod-Carberry, a Grade 5 student at J.D. Hogarth Public School, arrived at the Fergus station to a full day planned for the new junior fire chief.
Deputy chief Jason Benn explained the plans included a tour of the stations, equipment and trucks; fire extinguisher training; shooting water from fire hoses, having lunch with fire chiefs of the county and more.
MacLeod-Carberry said he was excited about the day ahead of him.
This is the second year Crime Stoppers has held the contest, which CSGW board chair Dave Elloway called it an ideal opportunity to partner with the fire department to educate students.
“Fire safety is something that if you learn it at a young age, it’s something that will help you throughout your life,” said Elloway.
Chase MacLeod-Carberry had a fun day with Centre Wellington Fire Rescue, acting as junior fire chief on June 18. He won the opportunity through a contest organized by Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington. He is pictured being trained on how to use a fire extinguisher.
Photo by Owen Starling
Benn told a story about how a youth in the area used his fire safety training to quickly react.
A small fire started in a house in the morning when the family was still sleeping.
“The smoke alarms went off,” said Benn.
“The young lad jumped out of bed, grabbed his two sisters, yelled at his mom and got everybody outside safely and they called the fire department.
“And that goes to show you that the education we provide from the fire service through the schools and the various other events does work.
“And if people just practice the plans, they can get out safely.”
