Female Firefighters Serve as Role Models for Incoming Volunteers

CapitalRegionFirefighter is profiling the women of our fire companies this March, in honor of Women’s History Month.

Mechanicsburg, Pa. - Female firefighters may face more challenges than their male counterparts, but nothing has stopped the four women of Upper Allen Fire Department (UAFD) from overcoming obstacles and excelling.

Amber Kaminski and Lexy Brady were both new to firefighting when they decided to join. Unlike many, they didn’t have siblings or parents who were already volunteers encouraging them to sign up. At different points they both experienced doubt — for Brady it was early apprehension and for Kaminski it was somebody else telling her that she couldn’t do it.

Amber Kaminski joined Upper Allen about seven years ago after moving from Long Island, N.Y. A coworker recommended that she become a volunteer firefighter, and she credits Upper Allen for helping her make new connections.

“I didn’t have friends or family in this area,” she explained. “Joining here gave me an instant family.”

Kaminski went on to get her exterior certification and was going to stop there, but decided to keep advancing. One of the reasons she decided to seek out her interior certification was motivation from someone she knew who expressed doubts.

“I had someone tell me I couldn’t do it, so I did it!” she said.

Kaminski’s story of once being told that she reached her limit certainly resonates with new members like Grace Wagner.

“With Amber being told that she wouldn’t get past exterior, she proved it to others and to herself that she could do it,” Wagner said.

Mentoring New Volunteers

Not only does Kaminski fight fires, she also serves at the department’s membership secretary, which has given her the opportunity to help mentor the newer members.

She and Jacquie Hower enjoy showing the newer members the ropes. Newer volunteers Brady and Wagner credit the two more experienced members with helping them along.

“Amber is my mentor and she’s been very helpful,” Wagner said. “She’s helped me go over the rigs and ladder qualifications.”

Brady has been with Upper Allen for two years and is currently taking classes to become an interior firefighter. She was inspired to give firefighting a try because she wanted to repay the help and support that she received as a premature baby born at 25 weeks.

“I had always been looking for a way to give back to the first responders that helped me stay alive,” Brady said.

For Brady, there was some self-doubt early on — a little nervousness that she experienced on her first few calls — though she was able to overcome it as she became more comfortable through repetition and encouragement from her fellow volunteers.

“I didn’t think I could do it at first, but two years later I’m still here,” she said. “I’ve learned that you can do anything that you put your mind to.”

Love of Community

Hower became a firefighter in 2007 and has been with UAFD for about a year. She already knew UAFD well — her dad was a volunteer firefighter with the department and she spent plenty of time at the station as a kid. Hower often volunteers in the evening after working her day job as a Director of Operations, which she finds to be a fun contrast.

“I think it’s fun to go from being in heels and a skirt at a business function, to maybe having to jump into gear at night,” she said.

Hower, who is also a certified EMT, finds much joy in serving the community, a value that was instilled in her growing up.

“I was always taught to help those that need it the most, because I may one day need help,” she explained. “I asked myself, ‘What ways can I give back?’ This is where I found my joy in helping the community.”

Wagner joined back in January, but she’s not new to UAFD. Firefighting has been a part of her family for many years — her grandpop is the department’s chief and her uncle is a captain.

“I joined to give back to the community,” she said. “And being here and having your brothers and sisters around you as soon as you walk in, it’s a great place to be.”

Teamwork and Encouragement

All four women say that they have no issues volunteering in a male-dominated field — Brady actually works as a welder — and they would love to see more women become volunteer firefighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association, only 11 percent of volunteer firefighters in 2020 were female.

Although there may be natural limitations such as heavy gear, that hasn’t stopped any of these women from being an asset for the department and helping in other areas.

“You keep going to training and learn ways to overcome. If you can’t do something, there are plenty of other ways you can help out,” Kaminski said.

Firefighters work as a team and know each other’s strengths and limitations. At a few weeks in, Wagner was already finding ways to be an asset to the department.

“I have some height to me, I can help you with reaching the rigs,” Wagner said to Kaminski as she stood up to show her tall stature.

An Opportunity for Everyone

Local fire companies are in most need of volunteer firefighters and training and gear are provided. There are many ways to help your local company whether it’s as fire police, EMTs, junior firefighters or in an administrative role.

All four women encourage anybody looking to volunteer or to make a difference to give volunteer firefighting a chance, just as Kaminski did back when she was looking for something new.

“Even if you have a slight interest, just do it,” Kaminski said. “If you decide it’s not for you, nobody will hold a grudge. At least you gave it a shot.”

For advice to new volunteers, they all stressed the importance of asking for help when needed, and to stay confident and committed.

“Come in with an open mind and you’ll be met with a wealth of knowledge,” Hower said. “Talk to the oldest and most experienced member and with the youngest, newest members. I’ve learned a lot from both.”

Upper Allen Fire Department is one of 21 fire companies included in the Capital Region Firefighter volunteer recruitment campaign. If you want to serve your community and make a difference, there’s likely a nearby fire company and a position for you based on your interest, skills and availability. All training and gear are provided at no cost. To learn more about how you can volunteer with your local fire company, visit www.CapitalRegionFirefighter.org.