December 15, 2023
Calgary Fire Department's Fire Chief Steve Dongworth appoints Mustafa Mohammadi as Junior Fire Chief as Sparky the mascot watches on. Photo supplied.
Story by Janet Mezzarobba
CALGARY — In a heartwarming annual event that captures the spirit of courage and resilience, a young patient at Alberta Children's Hospital has been appointed as this year's Junior Fire Chief at the Tuscany Fire Station.
Mustafa Mohammadi, a brave young patient who's received care at the hospital since birth, is now bestowed with the prestigious title after a special ceremony organized by the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) in conjunction with Alberta Children's Hospital.
“We are happy to continue this important partnership between the hospital and Calgary Fire Department,” says Stacy Kelly, Special Event Coordinator for Alberta Children's Hospital. "The program helps to promote important initiatives and our shared values around safety, teamwork and leadership."
Surrounded by parents, friends, hospital staff, and firefighters, 11-year-old Mohammadi was provided with a pint-sized fire chief uniform.
To kick off his first day, the young recruit enjoyed a ride in a fire truck, followed by lunch with the crew at the Tuscany Fire station.
As part of his duties, Mohammadi will help promote this year's Fire Prevention Week theme: Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention. The theme shares the importance of keeping cooking areas free of distractions and staying in the kitchen while cooking.
Each year during Fire Prevention Week, the Calgary Fire Department appoints a Junior Fire Chief to act as Calgary's fire safety ambassador. Alberta Children's Hospital has been a partner in the program, which has operated since 2016.
