Meet Alexandra Zaykin from Central York Fire Services - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022 - [DRAFT]
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. Public safety officers - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often the first responders who provide 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 motivations, aspirations, 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
Meet CYFS Firefighter Amanda Leigh - 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 Alexandra Zaykin - 1st Class Fire Prevention Inspector
Video courtesy of neighbur.
Q: How long have you been a first responder?
A: 5 years
Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a first responder?
A: Yes, always. My dad is my role model as he was a firefighter. Fire prevention and education was always my passion. I wanted to prevent fires as much as possible and, most importantly, save someone's life before a fire can happen.
Q: Where did you go to school to learn to be a first responder?
A: I attended Seneca College Fire Protection Engineering Technology program for three years and obtained Fire Protection Engineering Technology Diploma. After graduation, I continue to take various courses to stay current and qualified to perform my duties as a Fire Prevention Inspector.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
A: With every smoke alarm that I install as well as with the education, inspection, and general assistance I provide, I know I am making a huge difference in someone's life and that is a highlight of my career. It's precious each time I respond to a fire investigation and get to see the relief in the eyes of fire victims and know that they all were able to evacuate safely.
Q: What do you do to keep physically fit and take care of your mental wellbeing?
A: Physical fitness is very important for Fire Prevention Inspectors. This job requires a lot of walking, climbing stairs, ladders, spending time on roofs and in tight spaces and performing fire investigation duties while wearing a heavy SCBA pack and bunker gear. To stay fit, I workout with a personal trainer two times a week at home. For mental wellness, I also spend a lot of time with my children, husband and family and enjoy the outdoors.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do outside of being a first responder?
A: I love spending time with my family, exploring interesting places, connecting with nature and travelling.
SeeWhatSheCanDo
Check out the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate, and review programs, local community offerings, and businesses that will help you do your thing.
Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.
Look for stories, businesses and more on our Active Living activity page.
Tell us about your favourite way to get yourself moving. Share your highlights directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.
Comments