Honorary Ridgefield Fire Chief With Down Syndrome, 10, Dives Into Drill

RIDGEFIELD, N.J. -- She was a bit shy at first, but 10-year-old honorary Ridgefield Fire Chief Laci Gage eventually dove into a water rescue drill.

At the drill with Laci and family were Chief Peter O'Connor, Capt. David Brierty, Firefighteres Dan Seigel, Matt Castelli and Carl Bonaguaro, and Auxiliary Firefighter Kyla Bonaguaro.
Photo Credit: *COURTESY: Ridgfield Fire Co. 2*

Jerry DeMarco

08/27/2017 10:51 a.m.

"She is such a happy girl," Ridgefield Fire Capt. David Brierty told Daily Voice.

Laci, who has Down Syndrome, was named honorary chief in June -- complete with a firehouse swearing in.

Earlier this week, Ridgefield Fire Company 2 invited her to a water drill "to review surface rescue techniques," Briery said.

Laci brought along her mom Kalene, brother John and other family members.

"We showed her how we rescue people in the water and how we pull them into our boat," the captain said.

"Laci was a little shy at first but eventually jumped in and joined us" Brierty said. "She really seems to love the fire deptatment and got really excited to be apart of our exercise.

"Her mom said she couldn't wait and was looking for her chief's hat all day."

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