Phoenix Firecamp 2017 a Success

20 teenage girls ages 14-19 graduated from Phoenix Firecamp 2017, an intensive annual training week conducted by the Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS) that is aimed at interesting young women in joining the fire and emergency services. The program began in 2007 and to date there are 199 graduates.

Of the 23 female instructors and team leaders, there were 13 from New York state volunteer departments, three from the FDNY, one each from the Rochester and Buffalo Fire Departments, and one from a corporate fire department. FSWNYS welcomes 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. Two instructors from Montgomery County (MD) Fire & Rescue and two from Underwood Petersville (AL) Volunteer Fire Department also participated this year.

The 2017 graduates are: Julianna Beht (Oriskany), Kendra Bigda (Copenhagen), Katie Ann Bower (Ithaca), Margaret Bookover (Frewsburg), Kassandra Burkhard (Oriskany), Catherine Clark (Long Lake), Arianna Diaz (Albany), Bridget Donelan (Carmel), Lauren Eaton (Endicott), Delilah Grathouse (Holley), Alana Holmes (Albany), Nicole Kerr (Lake Carmel), Lauren Loiselle (Sherburne), Rebeka Meyer (Spencerport), Marissa Redmond (Livonia), Hannah Roman (Genoa), Kasie Salzman (Perrysburg), Sierra Streck (Rome), Rachel Wahlers (Holmes), and Morgan Warren (Liverpool).

The Phoenix Firecamp curriculum is designed to help campers develop confidence, enhance leadership skills, and broaden their problem solving abilities. Phoenix staff members work to foster friendly competition, nurture community spirit, and promote inclusiveness in a positive and safe environment.

Phoenix Firecamp offers an authentic experience in the life of a firefighter and is a unique program for teenage girls to explore options for women in fire and emergency services. The classroom and hands-on curriculum introduces campers to basic aspects of the fire and emergency services. Exercises include: donning gear, use of SCBA, search and rescue, basics of engine/ladder company operations, aerial ladder climb, auto extrication and disentanglement, water rescue, roof ventilation, portable ladders, forcible entry, tools, ropes, and knots, Snorkel operations, nozzles/fittings/hydrants, standpipes/hose roll/fold, thermal imaging cameras, medical scenarios, ambulance familiarization, fire behavior/fire safety, introduction to hazardous materials, disaster preparedness, fitness and nutrition, and CPR training and certification.

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.

Learn more about Phoenix Firecamp and FSWNYS here. The 2018 Phoenix Firecamp application and specifics will be posted after January 1, 2018.