03/30/2026
🚒 Fire Chief for a Day! 👩🚒
Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Georgia MacInnes, a Grade 3 student from Queen Victoria Public School, as our Fire Chief for a Day through the United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes online auction fundraiser.
Georgia’s day began with a surprise pick-up from her school by our Station 1 crew in Lindsay, where her classmates gathered to wave her off. From there, she headed to Fire Service Headquarters to take part in the morning routine. Georgia completed a radio check with dispatch and assisted with a full truck inspection to make sure all lights, tools, and equipment were ready to respond.
She then met with Doug Elmslie - Mayor of Kawartha Lakes and CAO Ron Taylor for a meet and greet and photo opportunity in Council Chambers. While there, Georgia sat in the Fire Chief’s chair and made her first request, two new fire trucks.
On the way back to the station, Georgia stopped at Kawartha Lakes Police Service Headquarters. She toured the facility, visited dispatch to learn about 9-1-1 communications, met members from different divisions, explored the holding cells, and checked out a police sergeant’s cruiser.
Back at Fire Headquarters, Georgia toured the station, met administrative staff, and spent time in the Fire Chief’s office. She then took part in hands-on firefighter activities including search and rescue, a rescue dummy drag, practicing spraying water, and participating in fire extinguisher training. She also explored the fire trucks and equipment and tried on firefighter gear.
The day wrapped up with lunch alongside Fire Chief Terry Jones.
Georgia has been attending our fire safety programs since she was five years old and has always had an interest in the fire service. Today confirmed that becoming a firefighter is her goal for the future.
A big thank you to the United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes for organizing this fundraiser and helping make experiences like this possible.
We hope to see you again soon, Chief Georgia! 🚒
City of Kawartha Lakes
Doug Elmslie - Mayor of Kawartha Lakes
United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Police Service
