Phoenix Firecamp Graduates 22 Students

Phoenix Firecamp 2013 graduated 22 teenage girls, ages 15-19, from the intensive annual training week conducted by Fire Service Women of New York State, Inc. (FSWNYS). The program, which is aimed at encouraging young women to join the fire and emergency services, began in 2007 and to date has graduated 141 students.

Of the 23 female instructors and team leaders, there were 15 from New York state volunteer departments, four from the FDNY, one each from the Rochester and Buffalo Fire Departments, and one from a corporate fire department. The team was joined by a volunteer department member from Alabama. FSWNYS welcomes qualified women firefighters from throughout the United States and Canada to apply for a staff position, understanding positions are entirely volunteer and staff pay all their own expenses.

The 2013 graduates are: Jamie Antinore (Ballston Spa), Julie Deckman (Hinsdale), Catie Gomm (Red Hook), Isabella Grover (Campbell), Heidi Hanzl (Palenville), Rachel Herrmann (Hannibal), Danielle Korzeniowski (Utica), Nicole Legacy (Oriskany Falls), Rhyne Maas (Owego), Kaitlynn Martin (Fort Edward), Maeve McQuilkin (Spencerport), Jessica Meservey (Gloversville), Erin Parish (West Valley), Alexis Richer (Mexico), Miranda Sabin (Afton), Amanda Sesny (Staten Island), Haleigh Siegel (Alden), Rebecca Ules (Utica), Jordyn Williams (Adams Center), Shirley Wong (Rochester), Sheyanne Yaddow (Utica), and Kristi Zenobio (Utica).

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.

Click here for information about Phoenix Firecamp. 2014 applications and specifics will be posted after January 1, 2014.