Mayor Joe Fontana and Fire Chief John Kobarda with seven-year-old Owen McGonigal at the London Fire Department Memorial Headquarters on October 28, 2011. McGonigal was made London’s honorary Fire Chief for his contributions towards raising awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. SHOBHITA SHARMA/LONDONER/QMI AGENCY
When Owen McGonigal came to the London Fire Department Memorial Headquarters on October 28, he thought he was there to meet the mayor.
But the seven-year-old, who has muscular dystrophy, got a pleasant surprise from London’s firefighters. Not only did he meet Mayor Joe Fontana, but he was made an honorary fire chief.
“Owen, you have inspired your family, you’ve inspired your classmates, you’ve inspired a whole city,” Mayor Fontana said.
McGonigal, originally from Edmonton, moved to London in 2008 and has been visiting the firefighters ever since. A keen advocate of spreading awareness about muscular dystrophy, McGonigal has been helping London firefighters support Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Recently, the charity also bestowed the national “Courage to Inspire” awarded upon McGonigal and his family for their contributions to the cause.
McGonigal was given customized London Fire Department bunker gear and a firefighter’s hat.
“It feels good,” McGonigal said. “I have London and Edmonton bunker gear and it feels really, really great.”
As the honorary chief, McGonigal also kicked off the annual firefighters boot drive for muscular dystrophy.
via London’s new honorary fire chief | Local | News | Londoner.
