Paig Ziola just knew he was going to be the one – and when his name was selected in a random draw out of 340 grade three students in Campbell River, he was ready to roll.
“This student was so prepared to be fire chief that he wore a tie to school that day,” says Fire Chief Ian Baikie. “He was exceptionally focused and highly curious all day, chatting with crew members and asking lots of questions. We’ll remember Paig for a long time as the guy who was on fire to be fire chief for a day.”
On the morning of Dec. 5, Paig’s name was drawn, and he was picked up by the fire crew for a ride in the fire engine. At the fire hall, Paig checked over the station and inspected the equipment. He was treated to lunch at McDonald’s with Mayor Andy Adams, Fire Chief Ian Baikie and other members of the fire crew.
“As they have done for many years, McDonald’s owners Jens and Mary Rolinski and their staff graciously provided the lunch for this event,” says Chief Baikie.
When Paig was returned to school in the fire truck, he took with him some tools to help him be more fire safe at home.
“We have every reason to believe that Paig is taking fire safety very seriously and will be a great ambassador for fire prevention,” Chief Baikie adds.
The Campbell River Fire Department’s annual Fire Chief for a Day contest wraps up the annual Fire Safety House campaign. This November, fire prevention staff and fire fighters visited schools to provide this fire safety training to 340 grade three students in Campbell River.