SOUTH FULTON, GA — In a sea of red T-shirts and turnout gear, teen girls are gaining valuable hands-on firefighting experience this week while learning what it takes to pursue careers in public safety in metro Atlanta.
Camp E.M.B.E.R.S., which stands for Every Member Brings Excellence, Resilience, and Significance, is a free program hosted annually by the City of South Fulton Fire Rescue Department.
The program introduces participants to careers in the fire service through training, teamwork and leadership development.
Campers spent the week learning life saving CPR skills, participating in hose drills and gaining experience with some of the physical demands of firefighting. Participants also visited the Marietta Fire Museum to learn about the history of the fire service and how the profession has evolved.
According to South Fulton Fire Rescue Sgt. Sebria Dause, the program is about more than teaching students technical skills.
“Most of them, they’ll be like ‘it’s too hot’ or anything like that. It’s basically them trying to push themselves through their limits to see if it’s really for them, or if anything is too heavy. They may want to try to give up,” Dause said. “We try to encourage them they can do it, and show them ways to make it easier for them to do the drills.”
Campers participate in exercises designed to mirror the realities of the job, including hose line advancements, weighted dummy drags, hose carries and simulated fire response training.
“Our campers kicked off the week by learning lifesaving CPR skills and getting hands-on experience with hose drills. From building confidence to developing teamwork, Day 1 was all about introducing the skills and dedication that make the fire service so rewarding,” South Fulton Fire Rescue officials said.
The program has also helped create a pathway into the department. Sierra Ellis, one of three former Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. participants who became a fire recruit, said the opportunity to serve others is what continues to motivate her.
“Going out to calls and seeing how happy people are that you showed up on the worst day of their lives means the world,” Ellis said.
Atli Robinson, who is also a former camper, said women bring important skills to the profession beyond physical strength.
“It’s not all about strength. It’s not all about how much you can carry or how fast you can move, it’s about community connection and connection with people in different areas,” Robinson said. “They may not need you to carry them out of a fire; they may need somebody to talk to in that moment and be more emotional.”
For current camper 17-year-old Zyon Lewis, the program represents a dream shaped by her own experience. Lewis said she was rescued from a fire when she was 8 years old, inspiring her desire to one day become a firefighter.
“For a long time, I didn’t really like the fire part, but I wanted to be that one to come in and save a little girl,” Lewis said.
Dause discussed one of the most valuable parts of the camp is the camaraderie.
“The sisterhood that they build, the skills that they learn, and them pushing themselves to their limits,” Dause said. “I did not know what to expect when I became a firefighter. But, I definitely wouldn’t trade it for the world. I want to keep being a part of helping their dreams come true.”
Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. continues building a pipeline for young women interested in public safety careers while showing participants they have a place in the fire service, South Fulton Fire Rescue officials said.
0 of 15
