“One of my favorite hobbies is road biking around town. Whenever I go out biking, I usually try to find some new roads that I haven’t been to before. This is important to me not only because I love having good navigational skills but also because I am a first responder. It’s important to be able to map places in your head within your department’s district. When I’m not biking, I simply enjoy exploring, getting to meet new people, and helping out tourists with directions.
“From a young age, I’ve always been a people person, and I have always wanted to help people. When I attended Saint Agnes school, the local fire department came for fire prevention week. During this week, fire departments visit schools all around the country and educate the public about fire safety and what to do in emergency situations. Typically, a representative from the fire department gears up in their protective equipment. After the presentation, I was instantly moved.
“I spent the next few years helping with the Lake Placid volunteer fire department. A couple years later I spoke a few times with the Chief at the time and told him I was interested in becoming a member and that’s when I learned of a junior firefighter program. There I could become a member and begin training, attend meetings, events and much more. Once I turned sixteen, I submitted my application and after a long time of waiting I was voted in by the village board! Ever since, I have enjoyed being a junior member/RAM (restricted active member) of the department.
“I have met so many people and have learned so much and just love doing it! Now it’s going to be something I do in college and then finding my home department sometime after that is the goal!”
As told to Jess Schoch ’25. Photo provided.
