FERGUS – One lucky youth got the opportunity to be Fire Chief for the day in Centre Wellington on Wednesday.
At the Fergus Fire Station this morning, it was announced that Chase Macleod-Carberry, a J.D. Hogarth student in Fergus, was the winner of Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington’s (CSGW) and Centre Wellington Fire Rescue’s contest, providing an opportunity to be Youth Fire Chief of the day.
The contest invited students in grades 4-6 to discuss with their parents or guardians, focusing on learning how to safely exit their residence in an emergency, and to design an escape plan for their home.
Dave Elloway, CSGW Chair, says students were invited to submit home fire escape plans, with proceeds going to Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington.
He says Centre Wellington Fire Rescue reviewed the plans, and Chase’s fire plan was selected from the entries.
Chase’s Fire Escape Plan
Chase shared with The Grand at 101 that today’s event is both exciting and deeply meaningful to him. His Dad, who was a firefighter, tragically passed away earlier this year. He said he is excited for what the day has to offer.
Photo by Austin Cardinell: Chase sits in a Centre Wellington Fire Rescue truck, wearing his late dad’s fire helmet.
Jason Benn, Deputy Fire Chief, says they have a full day lined up for Chase.
Photo by Austin Cardinell: CW Fire Prevention Officer Christopher Paluch shows Youth Fire Chief Chase how to put out a fire using a fire extinguisher
Benn says that the contest with Crime Stoppers was a valuable chance to remind both students and residents about the crucial importance of having a home escape plan, a point driven home by a recent emergency call.
Benn says the fire ended up being minor; however, there was some smoke damage. He says the big thing was that the family reacted and got out because of the training they received.
Elloway says doing this contest was a great opportunity for both CSGW and the fire department to partner on.
The contest was also a fundraiser for Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington.
