Alumni Spotlight: Emilee

Emilee (on the left) and her friend Marilyn volunteering at the Ontario Fire Department’s open house during the fall of 2016. They talked with the local community about firefighting and helped educate people on fire safety.

Although keeping with family tradition as a third generation firefighter, alongside her father and grandfather, Emilee is breaking tradition by becoming the first female firefighter in her family. Emilee is currently preparing herself for the fire academy which she plans on attending next fall. When she isn’t busy with her packed schedule, Emilee is busy challenging gender stereotypes of female firefighters. There are a few other women in her classes, and it can be difficult for them to stay on track with the guys—some of the tasks at fire school include carrying a 110lb ladder. Throughout all of the training, it’s Emilee’s confidence that has both classmates and veterans of the department saying how great it is to have a woman like her on the team.

Outside of a busy schedule including Mt. San Antonio College’s Fire Technology program, a part time job, and volunteering, Emilee also attends an early morning search class before getting her daily run in at 6 am. It makes sense that her downtime is spent catching up on sleep or Netflix. Emilee truly believes that when you find something you love, nothing can stop you. Now that’s dedication!