County Swears in Honorary Fire Chief

Sometimes, a community’s greatest strength is simply showing up for one another.

For four-year-old Oaklynn and her family, September will bring some challenging days. But it will also bring something else: a community determined to make sure they know they are surrounded by care, encouragement, and love.

Oaklynn is described by her family as hilarious, princess-loving, and completely obsessed with animals. She is also living with Parry-Romberg syndrome, a rare progressive autoimmune condition that can cause the tissues on one side of the face to deteriorate. Her journey includes ongoing treatments, hospital visits, and medications, creating both emotional and financial challenges for Oaklynn and her family.

The Gunn Area Recreation Society (GARS) is stepping up to help. The organization is hosting a fundraiser to help ease some of the family’s financial burden and, just as importantly, to remind them that they are not facing these challenges alone.

When GARS organizers reached out to Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services to help show Oaklynn just how much her community cares, the response came with a badge, a fire truck, and a very special title: Honorary Fire Chief Oaklynn.

Swearing-In Ceremony

During the September 10 Council Meeting, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services was honoured to officially swear Oaklynn in as Honorary Fire Chief, recognizing her courage, resilience, and remarkable spirit.

Family, friends, station captains, lieutenants, Enforcement Services members, and County Council gathered to bear witness to the special occasion. Deputy Chief Brent Sanderson led the swearing-in ceremony, while Reeve Jurgen Preugschas welcomed Oaklynn to the team with a special firefighter swag bag filled with gifts and keepsakes to mark her new role.

It is a title she can wear proudly, and one that comes with some exciting responsibilities.

Official Duties for Honorary Fire Chief Oaklynn

As part of the GARS fundraiser, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services is donating four “Firefighter for a Day” experiences for children and youth to be auctioned off. The successful bidders will have the opportunity to learn about firefighting, participate in a special training activity, and get an up-close look at the trucks, equipment, and daily work of local firefighters.

Leading the way will be none other than Honorary Fire Chief Oaklyn herself.

For LSAC Fire Services and County Council, this initiative is about much more than a fun day at the fire station. It is about giving Oaklynn something exciting to look forward to, creating joyful memories with her community, and reminding her family that they have a network of support beside them every step of the way.

"Spending time with Oaklynn was an absolute pleasure," said Deputy Fire Chief Brent Sanderson. "Being able to bring this experience to her has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful we at Lac Ste. Anne County could help create some special memories and share a little happiness with her and her family."

Communities are built with roads, buildings, and services, but they are held together by people. They grow stronger when neighbours step forward, organizations lend a hand, and individuals find meaningful ways, both big and small, to let someone know they matter.

This September, Oaklynn’s community is doing exactly that.

From all of us at Lac Ste. Anne County, welcome to the team, Chief Oaklynn. We are proud to stand with you.