Meet Macy, Red Deer’s Fire Chief for a Day
March 11, 2026
For most Grade 5 students, a typical school morning might include math, science and recess. But for Macy, it included fire trucks, flashing lights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Red Deer Emergency Services keeps the community safe.
As the winner of 2025’s Fire Prevention Week contest, Macy stepped into the role of Red Deer’s Fire Chief for a Day, spending the morning alongside Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) crews to experience what it’s like to lead a fire department.
Her day began at a local fire station, where firefighters welcomed their honorary chief with a tour of the hall. Macy explored the station, saw where crews train and prepare for emergencies and got an up-close look at the fire engines and specialized equipment that firefighters and firemedics use every day.
From climbing into the cab of a fire truck to checking out the tools carried on emergency vehicles, Macy’s curiosity was on full display.
Throughout the morning, Macy met with Red Deer firemedics who explained how they respond to fires, medical calls, and other emergencies across the city. She learned about the protective gear firefighters wear, how crews work together during emergencies, and the training required to keep both responders and residents safe.
Next up, Macy made her way to City Hall to meet with the Mayor and City Council. There, Macy was sworn in as honorary Fire Chief for the day.
Programs like these are designed to give young people a hands-on introduction to fire safety while helping them understand the important role emergency services play in their community. Elementary students interested in a chance to be Fire Chief for a Day next year will have the opportunity during Fire Prevention Week this October, when our Fire Prevention team will return to teach students how they can help keep their families safe.
Educating children is a key part of fire prevention. Fire departments regularly visit schools to talk about smoke alarms, home escape plans, and everyday fire safety, knowing that kids often take those lessons home and share them with their families.
While Macy’s time as chief may have been short, the experience is designed to leave a lasting impression. For many students, programs like this spark a lifelong interest in emergency services
and help them see firsthand how teamwork, leadership, and community service come together in the fire service.
For Macy, the highlight was simple.
“Seeing the ambulance up close, getting to raid the candy cupboard and spraying the fire hose,” she said with a grin.
Red Deer Emergency Services runs the Fire Chief for a Day program as part of its ongoing public education efforts and to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, an annual campaign that promotes fire safety across Canada every October.
Students will have another chance to take part in the program next fall when Fire Prevention Week returns October 4 to 10.