By CHAT News Today

VIDEO: Local student named Fire Chief for a Day

Nov 8, 2017 | 12:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A Medicine Hat student received the opportunity of a lifetime on Wednesday.

Leif Donauer, a Grade 6 Student at Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre, was named Fire Chief for a Day, and spent time at Fire Station No. 3.

During his time at the station, Donauer was able to ride in a fire truck, learned about firefighting operations, aimed a hose, and went up high on a ladder truck.

When asked how he was selected for the prestigious role, Donauer said it came as a surprise because his mother submitted his entry without telling him. The fire chief came into his classroom and called his name, and next thing he knew, he was riding in a fire truck to the station.

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While the event is aimed at having fun and showing local kids firefighting equipment, it’s also an opportuntiy for officers to teach kids and their families about fire safety.

“We go to a lot of fires where there’s no working smoke detectors, and that’s the number one thing. That’s what is going to help you in the middle of the night when fires occur – that’s what going to get you out of your house,” said Fire Prevention officer Grayson Smith. Smith added that explaining to kids the importance of functioning smoke detectors and other fire safety tips indoor often drives home the message to parents as well. Smith said kids tend to “bug” their parents about checking smoke detectors and blowing out candles.

For Donauer, it was an experience he couldn’t wait to tell his family and friends about.

CHAT News Today was at the fire station, and spoke with Donauer about his experience. Video of the event can be found below.