BARBARA DODD
| | "A Deaf Firefighter ?" |
| | I live in Ontario. I was born Deaf and was raised by Deaf parents. I also have Deaf children of my own. I am proud to be part of the Deaf community. I have enjoyed many challenges throughout my life and I would like to share this with you all.
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| | Firefighter Training in NYFD 1997 Barbara Dodd (right) | | Firefighting really interested me so I enrolled in the Fire Service program at Seneca College in Toronto. I proceeded to work with the Vaughan and Toronto Fire Departments on a volunteer basis. This work was a wonderful experience and I gained valuable knowledge and skills. I continued with more education and graduated from the Fire Service Career Preparation Program offered by the North York Fire Department. Other courses I have taken include High Angle Rescue, and River Rescue. Overall, I have gained a good understanding of both firefighting and fire prevention. I hope to, one day, serve as a full-time member of one of these local fire departments. The emotional support and encouragement I have received from everyone has been wonderful. I realize that it is going to be tough for me to overcome some of the barriers that people place before me because of their safety concerns. With my determination and desire, I know that I can perform the duties as well as anyone. I encourage new generation Deaf youth who have similar dreams, to set their goals and follow through with them. We should not allow people to put limits on what we can and can not do. I have got to know a Deaf professional firefighter from Nova Scotia and I hope to be the first in Ontario. We both agree that anything is possible. It is all in your attitude. If you want to do something and you put your heart and mind into it, there is nothing stopping you from accomplishing anything. |
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| | Fiery Determination...This photo was published in the Toronto Sun newspaper. |
I attended the 13th annual kid's summer festivities at the Toronto Fire Academy, along with my son during the past summer. My Deaf junior firefighter got a lesson from fireman Steve Ramos on how to put a blaze with a charged fire hose.
Would I ever tell my son that he can't be a firefighter because he is Deaf?
NEVER!!! Just as I will not allow others to put limits on me, I will not put limits on him.
He has his mother's same determination. I suppose history repeats.
REMEMBER...don't sell yourself short! You can do it! |
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