Meet the 2009 Fire & EMS Person of the Year

In 2009, the Cockeysville Optimist Club, an organization dedicated to advocating for community youth, honored Kendra Bauer, 24, a volunteer firewoman and EMT, as its Fire & EMS Person of the Year.

"I am just honored to be there for someone who needs me," she said. "The fire department does a lot for the community which really depends on us. It's great to have that sort of relationship. I hope to be a life-long member."

Bauer, a graduate of Towson University, joined the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Department shortly after spending a day shadowing her uncle, a paramedic.

"It was always an interest that I had," she said. "I rode a shift with my uncle and I enjoyed the experience enough to want to pursue it."

She generally volunteers about 20-40 hours and covers up to four overnight shifts a week at the department. But Bauer isn't complaining.

"It's tiring but I love it," she said. "I put in a lot but there is also a lot to gain."

Bauer was nominated by fire department chief, Kevin Roberts.

In his nomination form to the Optimist Club, Roberts only had kind words for Bauer.

"Kendra is a very energetic young lady who always has a smile on her face.  She is always willing to do whatever is asked of her," he wrote. "She has been an inspiration to probationary members who followed her into the Fire Company and she is always willing to help them and answer any questions they may have."

Bauer is pursuing a career in health care and is currently working towards getting admitted into a master's program for physician's assistants. She is also hoping to gain certification to work as a paramedic.

She credits the fire department for helping to shape her career goals and encourages others to join.

"We're always looking for new members," she said. "The door is always open."