My name is Cindy and I am 24 years old. A few months ago I made a life changing decision and decided to become a volunteer firefighter. I am currently in school to get my firefighter 1 certification and it is such a rewarding experience. So far we have learned everything from search and rescue to the basics of using our PPE and SCBA to HAZMAT. The training I have gone through has been tough at times but its so worth it. I absolutely love what I am doing and its such an ego boost knowing I can hang with the big boys. Im stil learning so many new and interesting things and any advice I can get is welcome. My boyfriend and his dad are firefighters and they have been such a huge support system for me. I started by just taking pictures for our company during trainings and special events and updating the company website. Once I got to respond to fires as a photographer I was hooked and wanted to do more. Riding with the guys and learning everything there is to know about firefighting is just awesome. There is no other way to put it. The crazy thing is if you had asked me over a year ago to join a fire company I would have told you that you are out of your mind! I was terrified of fires and my heart would race like crazy every time my boyfriend ran out the door. Now I am right behind him as he is running out the door. I never thought in a million years that I would or even could do this. Now that I am here I'm so glad I made this choice. Yes my neck and shoulders hurt after wearing the SCBA for hours during trainings and my knees hurt from crawling on the ground during search and rescue but I wouldn't change any of it. Every day I learn something new about firefighting and about myself. I would encourage anyone who is interested in doing this or debating whether or not they can do it to just do it! You will be surprised by what you can do. Like I said before if anyone has any advice to give to a probie firefighter please feel free to share it with me. If everything goes well I will be a certified firefighter come June of this year! I cannot wait to get a taste of the real deal!