Celebrating the Courage of Qualified District Chief Mary Fischer Courage is more than a word—it is a way of life. Mary Fischer, Qualified District Chief with the Calgary Fire Department, exemplifies this spirit through resilience, leadership, and dedication.
In her 18 years of service, she rose as one of Calgary’s first women firefighters, becoming Captain in 2020 and later overcoming a life-altering spinal cancer diagnosis. After two and a half years of recovery, she returned to duty, inspiring others with her words: “However clumsy and wobbly I still am, I am showing up and fighting my way forward every day.”
Her contributions extend far beyond her role. She has served as a Resilient Minds Instructor, CISM Peer, and CAFC committee member on cancer, mental health, diversity, and inclusion. She played a key role in recruitment, training, and Calgary’s Joint Human Relations Council, while building a strong affinity group for women in the fire service.
In a historic milestone, she became Calgary’s first woman Qualified District Chief in 140 years, now leading a platoon of 380 members. Nationally, she has influenced change through FSWO, FSWCP, FSWBC, CAFC, and her presentations on resilience and leadership.
Her impact reaches beyond her department—securing funding for others to attend symposiums, mentoring colleagues, and offering unwavering advocacy. Whether on duty or in the outdoors, Mary embodies courage, compassion, and integrity.
Because of her remarkable strength, what could have been a career-ending challenge became a defining story of perseverance and excellence.
Winner: Qualified District Chief Mary Fischer, Calgary Fire Department