LEXINGTON, Ky. — Harper Sharkey, a fifth-grader at Squires Elementary, has been selected as the Lexington Fire Department's 2026 junior fire chief, a position that highlights the LFD's commitment to fire safety education during Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10, according to Fayette County Public Schools.

Sharkey won the honor through the LFD's annual essay and poster contest, which has been a fixture of the fire department's community outreach for six decades. This year's theme was "Charge into Fire Safety – Safe Charging is a Superpower," and Sharkey's winning essay focused on safe lithium-ion battery charging practices. She emphasized practical safety measures, such as using hard surfaces rather than charging devices under blankets to prevent fires.

"We're incredibly proud of our winner and all the hard work she put in," said Squires Principal Jill Angelucci. "Experiences like these make learning meaningful."

Interim Superintendent Bill Bradford attended a brief ceremony in the school gym, where he praised the junior fire chief program as an example of meaningful community partnerships. He noted that the initiative aligns with two priorities in the district's Portrait of a Graduate: lifelong learning and civic engagement.

As junior fire chief, Sharkey will undertake various official responsibilities throughout the year. She will tour local businesses, landmarks, and fire stations; participate in media interviews; and accompany Lexington Fire Chief Jason Wells to meetings with Mayor Linda Gorton and the LFUCG council, broadening her understanding of municipal leadership and public service.

The LFD's Community Services Bureau selects a different Fayette County elementary school each fall to participate in the contest, rotating the opportunity for students to engage with critical fire safety messages. This year's focus on battery safety reflects an emerging concern as lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common in household devices.