Meet CYFS Firefighter Amanda Leigh - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022
Public safety - It plays a critical part in ensuring residents of any community have the opportunity to live well and reach their personal full potential. Public safety is about protecting the general public and prioritizing an individual's physical safety. First Responders - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often providing the hands-on support that makes any community physically safe.
York Region Community Open House - Join us in celebrating International Women's Day and the first responders of York Region on Saturday March 5th from 10am to 2pm.
The individuals who protect and serve their communities are professionals dedicated to being their best with each situation they face. In honour of International Women's Day and together with the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Central York Fire Services, York Region Paramedic Services, and Neighbur, we are excited to present eight female emergency first responders who represent their professions with honour and distinction. We invite you to read each of their stories and learn more about how their aspirations, motivations, celebrations and strong ethic of caring for themselves and others have shaped their respective careers.
More Her First Responder Stories:
Meet YRPS Deputy Chief Paramedic Natalie Kedzierski - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022
Meet Paramedic Karen McIntyre with YRPS - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022
Introducing CYFS Firefighter Amber Bowman - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022
Meet YRP Police Officer Mina Rahravan - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022
Meet CYFS Firefighter Kristy Paterson - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022
Introducing Amanda Leigh - Central York Fire Services 4th Class Firefighter
Q: How long have you been a first responder?
A: I have been a firefighter for 6 years and with Central York Fire Services for just under two years.
Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a first responder?
A: Growing up I didn’t think about becoming a firefighter, instead I wanted to be a variety of other occupations as any child does. A pilot in the military, a chocolatier, a marine biologist and environmental lawyer were some of the jobs I was interested in.
Q: Where did you go to school to learn to be a first responder?
A: I went to FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute) which is part of The Pearson Airport Training Division located in Mississauga.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
A: I have had lots of highlights and special moments on calls and at the station in my career so far. However, helping/interacting with the community and working with my crew and the firefighters on my shift has truly make my time at CYFS memorable. They have set great examples of what it takes to be an effective firefighter, a friend and how to be part of a team. I look forward going to work and seeing what the day has in store for us.
Q: What do you do to keep physically fit and take care of your mental wellbeing?
A: Working out keeps me physically fit but it also helps with my mental wellness. It’s a way I can destress and not think about everything that is going on. Spending time outdoors and talking with my crew, family and friends helps me take care of my mental wellness as well. Both are very important to the job.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do outside of being a first responder?
A: When I am not working, I really enjoy spending time outdoors, golfing, camping, kayaking, adventuring with my dog Dallas and doing lots of baking (my fellow crew members definitely like this one!)
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