Fire Department

Where are you stationed?
I’m assigned to Fire Station 4 (Monroe Street) on the ‘B’ shift.

What attracted you to this career?
A retired MFD member had encouraged me to apply while I was working at my previous job trimming and removing trees. Initially, I dismissed the idea, but the more I looked into it, the more it seemed like a good fit for me. I liked that I could use my athleticism in my line of work, experience the camaraderie of being on a team again, and be able to serve the community I lived in. The fact that I could do all of these things and continue to grow both personally and professionally made MFD my dream job.

What's one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had so far at MFD?
My crew participated in the homecoming parade and I will never forget how the faces of children, specifically young girls, lit up once they saw me. I don’t think they were expecting me to be a part of the fire department. Seeing their reactions was very rewarding and solidified the importance of my presence. I think if growing up I would have seen women in the fire department, that my path to becoming a firefighter may have been more linear. However, my past experiences and jobs I had prior, molded me into the person I am and gave me valuable life experiences.

What advice do you have for someone hoping to join the MFD as a firefighter/EMT?
I had no previous fire or EMS experience before being hired and I think that speaks volumes. MFD looks for well-rounded and good-natured candidates, not necessarily those with tons of experience, because they believe fire and EMS are teachable skills. This also made it a more equitable playing field and gave me a chance to be a part of the department.

My advice is to let your authentic self shine through and to trust the process. Show the department who you are and why your contributions are needed. Also, it’s a long application process so that requires a lot of patience and self-confidence. Trust that everything will unfold as it should and the opportunities you are looking for will happen if you stay determined and keep your goal at the forefront of everything you do.

Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
I am a part of the Dane County Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and I enjoy doing various activities around the city with my Little Sister.