Public safety - It plays a critical part in ensuring residents of any community have the opportunity to live well and reach their personal full potential.  Public safety is about protecting the general public and prioritizing an individual's physical safety.  First Responders - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often providing the hands-on support that makes any community physically safe. 

 

York Region Community Open House - Join us in celebrating International Women's Day and the first responders of York Region on Saturday March 5th from 10am to 2pm

 

The individuals who protect and serve their communities are professionals dedicated to being their best with each situation they face.  In honour of International Women's Day and together with the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Central York Fire Services, York Region Paramedic Services, and Neighbur, we are excited to present eight female emergency first responders who represent their professions with honour and distinction.  We invite you to read each of their stories and learn more about how their aspirations, motivations, celebrations and strong ethic of caring for themselves and others have shaped their respective careers.

 

More Her First Responder Stories:

Meet YRPS Deputy Chief Paramedic Natalie Kedzierski - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

Meet YRP Police Officer Mina Rahravan - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

Meet Paramedic Karen McIntyre with YRPS - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

Meet CYFS Firefighter Amanda Leigh - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

Introducing YRP Auxiliary Police Officer Elizabeth Coretti - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

Meet CYFS Firefighter Kristy Paterson - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

 

 

Introducing Amber Bowman - Central York Fire Services Acting Captain

 

 

Q: How long have you been a first responder?

A: 11 Years

 

Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a first responder?

A: I always thought it would be so awesome to become a firefighter, to help my community and be a part of a team. But I didn't think it was possible as there was not any women firefighters I personally knew and the men who were that I spoke to, never seemed to support my idea of becoming one.

 

Q: Where did you go to school to learn to be a first responder?

A: Seneca College

 

 

Q: What has been the highlight of your career?

A: I think every day I have highlights at work but I have had some great opportunities within the fire community to speak at live conferences and also race in the Combat Firefighter Challenge. On the job, my first structure fire was something I'll never forget. The adrenaline rush while responding and then working to save the house to protect the home owners, was something I'll always remember. 

 

Q: What do you do to keep physically fit and take care of your mental wellbeing?

A: I believe in functional physical movement daily. I do a firefighter specific strength and conditioning program called Fit by Fire which prepares me for the job challenges both physically and mentally. I also practice mindfulness to stay ahead of my mental health and this can include journaling, meditating, practicing gratitude. In today's busy and COVID times, I think mental health is just as important as showering daily! We all need outlets and need to practice what works for us to stay positive and to be the best versions of ourselves.

 

Q: What’s your favourite thing to do outside of being a first responder?

A: I enjoy playing sports including hockey, mountain biking and skiing. I also enjoy working out, going for nature walks with my family and playing with my son.

 

 

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