Phoenix Firecamp Graduates 22 Teenage Girls

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Phoenix Firecamp 2012 graduated 22 teenage girls, ages 15-19, from the intensive annual training week conducted by Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS), which is aimed at interesting young women in joining fire and emergency services. 20 graduates are from New York state; one camper is from Philadelphia, Pa. and another, Canada. Nine New York state explorer posts, the largest number to date, were represented in the 2012 graduating class.

Camp Director Lt. Anna Schermerhorn-Collins (FDNY) said this year’s campers were the most diverse group since the program began in 2007; to date there are 119 graduates. "We had three young women who are members of volunteer fire departments, nine from explorer posts, three with limited EMS training and the other seven had no prior exposure to fire and emergency services."

Schermerhorn-Collins said that the staffing complement this year was equally diverse and included four Phoenix Firecamp graduates. Of the 21 female instructors and team leaders, 14 were from New York state volunteer departments, five from the FDNY, one each from Rochester and Buffalo Fire Departments and one from a corporate fire department. "We were joined by members of volunteer departments in Vermont, Alabama and Pennsylvania and a Maryland career firefighter. We welcome qualified women firefighters from throughout the United States and Canada to apply for a staff position, understanding this is entirely volunteer and staff pay all their own expenses," she said.

Graduates write evaluations at the conclusion of camp. "I hoped for new material, experiences and friends and to have an amazing time," said Devin Murphy, 17, of Albany, N.Y., a member of Albany Fire Department Explorer Post 343. "I had the best birthday ever because I was with some of the most amazing people and got to put out a car fire (best birthday cake ever)."

Michaela Schuyler, 18, a member of the Fort Plain Fire Department, said, "My goals were very much achieved. I feel I received a better learning experience with equipment... got pointers that could be lifesaving... even lessons that I will always be able to use no matter what I do in the future. The team leaders were fantastic... fun, wise, energetic and very approachable. The instructors knew a lot about what they were teaching, were fun and easy to understand."

Angela Ward, 16, of Herkimer, N.Y. who came to camp with no experience said, "I wanted to learn what is involved in firefighting and decide if this is something I want to follow and join a department. I will. This week really gave me confidence and help set my goals higher for the future."

The 2012 graduates are: Brandy Anderson (Newburgh), Rebecca Braya (Rochester), Kristen Brehmer (Thiells), Nicolette Carroll (New Hartford), Alana Columbus (Selkirk), Donna Davis (Rochester), Tess Glennon (Philadelphia, Pa.), Ashleigh Gornishek (Newport), Corene Hendrickson-Gadsden (Wappingers Falls), Veronika Jachimek (Middletown), Lindsay Martin, (Athelstan, Quebec), Bridget McHale (Melville), Devin Murphy (Albany), Adele O’Rourke (Ithaca), Jennifer Pignone (Pound Ridge), Nichole Ponticello (Homer), Michaela Schuyler (Fort Plain), Kathleen Tyrel (Fayetteville), Kellie Unger (Spencerport), Nicole Wahlers (Holmes), Angela Ward (Herkimer), and Rachel Wright (East Schodack).

The City of Utica Fire Department and the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department partner with FSWNYS in producing the camp. Utica provides camper housing, logistical support, equipment, EMS coverage and the use of its apparatus, fire houses and the training grounds. Westmoreland donates transportation, hosts two evening social events, secures donations from area businesses and coordinates the participation of other Mohawk Valley volunteer fire departments and their auxiliaries. The Frankfort Fire Department again contributed its mobile flashover simulator and the Yorkville Fire Department made its aerial ladder truck available.

Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a non-refundable $75 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers, ages 14-19, are accepted annually from a field of candidates and no prior experience with the fire service is required. Only those who have not attended previously may apply. Applicants must be in good health, have medical insurance and come equipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes. Those 17-years-old or younger must be transported to and from camp by a responsible adult. Phoenix 2013 will be held July 21-26; the deadline for applications is May 1, 2013. Click here for photos and information about Phoenix Firecamp. 2013 applications and specifics will be posted after January 1, 2013.