'Like a family': Teenager eager to serve fire department

By JUSTIN FAULCONER - Associated Press - Sunday, November 4, 2018

AMHERST, Va. (AP) - When Amherst County High School junior Mackenzie Reynolds sees structures on fire, it doesn’t cross her mind to run the other way.

The Amherst native wants to pitch in and help as emergencies arise and the alarm from the Amherst Fire Department sounds.

“I can’t wait to go into burning buildings,” said Mackenzie in a recent interview at the department’s fire station on Second Street in Amherst. “Ever since I was little, that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, if I could. Just help people.”

At 16, she is getting her wish after joining the department earlier this year as its only current female member and one of just a few current high school-age volunteers. Undergoing training classes, observing life-saving techniques and interacting with fellow volunteers with years of experience, she said she is excited about the prospect of fighting fires one day and responding to emergencies.

“I really just want to give back to my community,” she said. “I’ve always loved helping others and I wanted to do so in a way where I would challenge myself. I thought I’d give it a shot and I love it. Best decision I’ve ever made.”

Though still undergoing necessary training before being authorized into certain situations such as active structure fires, Mackenzie said she has been on some calls and observed how the department operates.

She has taken part in an emergency medical technician class and other training exercises. Her goal is to become a paramedic or serve in the military as a firefighter, she said. The fire station is like a second home, she said. “The guys here, they’re like my brothers already,” she said. “And I know they would have my back no matter what, and they’ve taught me so much. It’s like a family up here.”

She said she gets excited and nervous when she’s taken part in answering calls, describing the feeling as adrenaline pumping. On the department’s community front during events and gatherings, she’s just as thrilled interacting with residents, especially young girls she encourages to follow in her footsteps if they choose.

At the National Night Out on Aug. 7 in Madison Heights, an annual event that brings the public and law enforcement and public safety agencies together in a community setting, Reynolds greeted children as they briefly walked through the department’s fire engine. Smiling while speaking with girls and helping toddlers maneuver out of the apparatus in wonder, she said it’s neat telling girls they can become firefighters.

She knew Chief Tom Martin from church and said the idea to volunteer hit her like a truck one day and she applied.

Martin said the department has many members who got their start volunteering in high school and stayed active. His son grew up around volunteer firefighting and was 16 when he started his involvement, Martin added.

“We have been successful in recruiting from the high school,” Martin said. “It helps them build careers.”

He said while Mackenzie is the current sole female member on the active roster, the department has had female volunteers in the past. Mackenzie is taking part in the department’s fire academy, he said.

“She really brings a good balance to the department,” Martin said. “It’s really a great joy having her around.”

Mackenzie said she feels serving the public is important and a fulfilling activity for her generation at a time when so many are constantly bombarded by social media, videos and iPhones.

“Personally for me, helping or inspiring another person is like the best feeling in the world,” she said. “I just love it.”

Those feelings were reinforced when disaster struck Amherst County April 15 in the form of a massive tornado that devastated many homes in the Elon community, including that of one of her best friends alongside whom she’s played volleyball.

She said she wouldn’t hesitate as a firefighter if a similar disaster comes again.

“That really impacted me,” Mackenzie said. “I have a lot of friends who live on Nottaway Drive,” which saw heavy storm damage.

The tornado hit on a Sunday evening and school was canceled for three days, during which time Mackenzie found herself joining hundreds of other students helping with relief efforts. She recalls helping sort out supplies and watching many of her fellow students helping those directly affected.

“It was really cool to see how the community came together,” she said. “It blew my mind. It made my heart happy.”

Growing up on a farm in Amherst, she has worked as a lifeguard at a local pool and knows CPR skills. She is taking a “Fire 1” course that will further her extensive fire training into 2019, she said. Her mother, Holly Reynolds, a nurse, said Mackenzie spends summers as a 4-H counselor and loves working with kids.

Holly Reynolds said the experience is good in teaching her life skills and getting her ready for a career in the medical field while also serving as a role model for younger kids.

“She absolutely loves it,” she said of Mackenzie’s volunteering. “It’s been a really good opportunity for her. We’re very proud of her.”

Mackenzie said she is constantly learning every time she comes to the station and said the hours spent volunteering are worth it.