ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The St. Augustine Fire Department is hoping to inspire the next generation of female firefighters by hosting an empowerment day camp for girls, also known as Spark the Flame.
2020 statistics from the U.S. Fire Department Profile showcased nine percent of firefighters in the nation are women. St. Augustine's fire department has three firewomen.
Abby Pedigo, Hannah Reiderich and Emmale Shills would admit becoming a firefighter was not their first choice, but a choice they believe is the right one for them.
"I didn't know it was a career option for me," Reiderich said.
"It's awesome, it's the best job in the world," Shills smiled.
In their field of work, being a firefighter is a male-dominated career.
Together, the three have 16 years of experience. In the upcoming years, they hope to see more of themselves on the front lines. Their objective is to show there is room for women at any fire department.
Pedigo, who is also a fire marshal, said they try to lead by example and present themselves as good role models.
Spark the Flame is the first time that the St. Augustine Fire Department will host an empowerment camp for girls.
"We're going to be doing a hose station, they'll get a chance to hold the fire hose, move it up the stairs, knock some cones down and see what that's like. We're also gonna be doing some repelling. Hook them up, and show them a technical side of the rescue service which is a big part of what we do," Reiderich said while explaining what activities campers will participate in.
Camp will be held on May 31 and June 1. Registration is closed.