Oshawa’s newest Junior Fire Chief
Grade 5 student Leila Hardy earns title this year
Oshawa Fire Chief Derrick Clark temporarily gave up his seat to Junior Fire Chief contest winner Leila Hardy. Leila, a Grade 5 student at St. John XXIII School, wrote the winning in this year’s contest. (Photo by Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express).
A local Grade 5 student recently had the chance to sit in one of the most important chairs in the city, for a short time at least.
Leila Hardy, 11, was selected as the winner of Oshawa Fire Services’ Junior Fire Chief contest on May 18.
Hardy is a student at Saint John XXXII School in Oshawa.
She was named Ontario Junior Chief after being selected as the winner of an essay contest.
The contest asked Grade 5 and Grade 6 students to write about how they would promote fire safety to their family and friends.
In her essay, Hardy explained the importance of putting together an escape plan as a family and being aware of certain household items that could cause a fire.
After being named as the winner during an assembly at her school, she was taken to Oshawa Fire Hall 1 in a pumper truck.
Along with family members, she then met with Fire Chief Derrick Clark and other Oshawa Fire Service officials.
The day wrapped up with a tour of the fire hall.
Leila also received a number of prizes, including a Google Chromebook, a new bicycle, and a complimentary week at the Oshawa Fire Services summer camp.
She will also participate in a number of community activities with Oshawa Fire Services including; Community Fire Safety Day on June 9, the Oshawa Fiesta Parade on June 17, and the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 17.