Related Photos

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  Eniola with her family before leaving for the fire department for a day full of Junior Fire Chief duties and fun. (L-R) Alyssa, Laura, Eniola, Kay-Kay, and Raphael.
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  Ten-year-old Tanvi of Alexander Graham Bell PS in Ajax is ecstatic as she wins the award for this year’s “Fire Chief for a Day,”presented by Fire Prevention Inspector Kyle Chamberlain and Sparky the Fire Dog.

Students from Julie Payette PS and Alexander Graham Bell PS become Junior Fire Chiefs in Whitby and Ajax

On October 10, members of the Whitby Fire Department showed up at Julie Payette PS, not to put out a fire, but to present Grade 6 student Eniola with the honour of being their Junior Fire Chief of the Year.

Every year the Whitby Fire Department hosts a summer camp for children in the community. Throughout the summer, the camp counselors not only teach the children about fire safety through fun, team-building activities, they also evaluate them and decide which of their “campers” has the capability and poise to be Junior Fire Chief for the Year.

“They look at engagement with others and speaking skills,” Chief Dave Speed says. “Hands down Eniola was the number one choice.”

It was an action-packed first day for Junior Chief Eniola. After the presentation she received a bike from sponsor Canadian Tire, lunch at McDonald’s with her family and the firefighters, she got to ride in the fire truck and the basket tower that is attached to the ladder, and so much more.

She was very excited to have been chosen and she could not wait to meet Chief Speed and the other firefighters. She has been inspired by the whole experience and now wants to be a fire investigator when she grows up.

 “You have to aim high to dream and then you have to pursue your dream,” Eniola says. “It might seem hard at times, but you have to try your best.” 

Ajax Chief for a Day

Congratulations also go out to 10-year-old Tanvi of Alexander Graham Bell Public School, this year’s “Ajax Fire Chief for a Day.” Tanvi’s poster illustrated her knowledge and understanding of key fire safety messages such as having a home escape plan, staying in the kitchen while cooking and never leaving candles unattended. Tanvi was selected from over 500 entrants’ submissions.

“It felt amazing, like the most amazing thing when the people from the fire department treated me like the Fire Chief. I know that it’s a once in a lifetime experience and something I’ll remember forever,” says Tanvi.

Click the link to watch the presentation to Tanvi Ajax Fire Department Announces Winner of Chief for a Day

Everyone at Alexander Graham Bell Public School is celebrating Tanvi’s creativity and educational flare.

Principal Daniele Denike says “Alexander Graham Bell PS is extremely proud of Tanvi’s accomplishment in demonstrating exceptional citizenship, creativity, and responsibility through an incredible submission.”