June 28, 2021 Swearing-In Ceremony of Fire Chief Monique Belair
Chief Monique Belair is Belleville’s first female Fire Chief. It’s a role that she’s been working toward since joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 as one of only five female fire fighters in the military.
Belair told us she has served in just about every role possible, from fire suppression to investigation, prevention, public education, communications, training and finally command.
The Chief took her responsibility as a role model to a new level when she first conceived the idea of Camp Molly as Deputy Chief in Oakville.
The camp a 4 day program dedicated to providing 15 to 18 year old women an opportunity to experience first hand what it might be like to pursue a career in fire services.
Even in 2023, women continue to deal with equality issues and being guided into gender specific roles, something Chief Belair continues to work on with young women.
Chief Belair considers her role in the community as important as her role as commander and sometimes, just being the woman at the table makes the difference.
According to Chief Belair, being a role model for young women comes with the job.
When people think of firefighters they often think only of fire suppression or fighting fires, but there is more to it than that according to Belair.
Chief Belair will be moving to take on the role of Fire Chief in Kingston in April, but she only has the kindest regards for both the people she’s served and those she has worked with in Belleville.
For Chief Belair, Camp Molly is a place for young women to see their full potential.
Belair leaves behind a legacy with Camp Molly (which has grown to 8 camps this year) that she’s determined will continue long after she’s gone.
Written by Joseph Goden
