Kyle Leeson
Kyle Leeson is the deputy fire chief of the Didsbury Fire Department and has served there since he was 18. He grew up on a family farm North of Didsbury, went through the Didsbury school system, and is deeply entrenched in the community. With his focus on farming, firefighting, and family, Kyle feels that he can sit back and relax, enjoying all he’s accomplished.
“My family has been connected to the community for generations. Where Ulla-La Boutique is located today, my grandfather once operated Leeson hardware. Some of my earlier memories are tied to the town, its businesses, its schools, and the people who make the community what it is.”
“The fire service was also part of my life from a young age. My father served with the Olds Fire Department for 30 years before retiring, and growing up, I always hoped I would have the opportunity to follow a similar path.”
“When I turned 18, I walked into the old blue Didsbury fire hall on a Wednesday training night and asked how I could join. I did not know exactly where that decision would take me, but it became one of the most important parts of my life.”
“I have now been a member of the Didsbury Fire Department for 18 years. During that time, I have progressed from a probationary firefighter through the different ranks, including serving as acting fire chief. I currently serve as deputy fire chief, with much of my focus being on training and developing our members.”
“After becoming married, I moved into Didsbury and continued working toward another long-time goal: becoming a firefighter with the Calgary Fire Department. I was fortunate to be hired in 2013. In 2019, my family and I moved back to the family farm. It allowed us to return to where I grew up while still keeping me close enough to respond with the Didsbury Fire Department. My shift schedule in Calgary also allows me to remain actively involved in the community.”
“One of the projects I am most proud of is helping establish the fire cadet program. The program involves grade 11 and 12 students from Didsbury and Carstairs the opportunity to train alongside our members and learn many of the same foundational skills.”
“The goal is not simply to produce future firefighters. The cadets learn teamwork, communication, responsibility, leadership, problem-solving, and how to remain calm under pressure. Those skills can benefit them whether they pursue careers in fire, police, emergency medical services, corrections, the military, healthcare, the trades, or an entirely different field.”
“It also gives young people a realistic look at emergency services before they commit to it as a career. They get to experience the training, expectations, challenges, and camaraderie involved. Some may discover that it is exactly what they want to pursue, while others may learn that a different path is better suited to them. Either outcome is valuable.”
“For me, the cadet program represents the idea of giving back. I was once the young person walking into the fire hall, hoping someone would give me an opportunity. Now I have the chance to help provide that opportunity to the next generation.”
“Didsbury has changed over the years, but the importance of neighbours helping neighbours has remained. The fire department is one example of that. People from many different occupations and backgrounds come together, train together, and respond when someone in the community is having one of the worst days of their life.”
My story is really about growing up in Didsbury, leaving to pursue a career, returning to my family’s farm, and continuing to serve the community that helped shape me. It is also about carrying forward the examples set by my grandfather, my father, and the firefighters who welcomed me into the fire department when I was 18.
“If I was to leave a lasting mark on my little exposé, it would be just that point of my father's mantra. If you take from the community, you have to give back. I think everybody should be volunteering to some extent in their life; I think everyone should be involved without the intention of compensation. There are so many different volunteer groups that are hurting—everybody wants help. So, I think that's probably the biggest piece for me at the end of it all—do what you can.”
