Memphis Girls Discover Heroism Through Firefighter Experience at Annual Hero Day Event

Memphis Girls Experience a Day of Heroism with Firefighters

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It was an exciting Saturday in Memphis as a group of young girls got the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a firefighter for the day. The Memphis Fire Department, alongside the Girl Scouts Heart of the South, hosted its 8th Annual Hero Day at the Chester Anderson Fire Campus. With enthusiasm and energy filling the air, these girls were ready to learn, explore, and discover what it truly means to be a hero!

Building Aspirations

Over 150 girls participated in this year’s Hero Day, a program dedicated to encouraging young women to consider careers in firefighting and emergency services. MFD Chief Gina Sweat emphasized the importance of exposing young ladies to the various opportunities available in the fire department, stating, “If she can see it, she can be it.”

Chief Sweat pointed out that many people don’t realize the diversity of roles within the fire department outside of being a firefighter or paramedic. “There are so many opportunities in the fire department. It’s not all just being a firefighter,” she noted. The statistics also reveal a significant gender gap in the field, with women making up merely four percent of the Memphis Fire Department, consistent with the national average of only three to five percent.

A Day Full of Learning

The girls spent the day engaging in a variety of hands-on activities aimed at getting them acquainted with firefighting gear, safety protocols, and learning life-saving skills. The program featured lessons on CPR and first aid led by a female firefighter, which inspired participants and their families. “The girls were amazed that she is a woman and she’s in charge,” said Kim Bradley, a parent and member of Girl Scout Troop 10645.

Among the crowd was Amyleh Henderson, a 16-year-old participant who has attended Hero Day before. “I’m already scared of heights,” she shared, expressing her apprehension before rappelling down a wall during one of the activities. However, she found that stepping out of her comfort zone granted her newfound confidence. Amyleh enthusiastically said, “So, it kind of gives me a little confidence and it helps me get over my fears.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Hero Day isn’t just about having fun; it’s also about laying down the groundwork for future careers. Chief Sweat hopes that by offering events like these, the Memphis Fire Department can help change the future face of the profession. She expressed her hope that more young women will consider a career in a field that has historically seen low female representation.

For those involved, the day was a fantastic opportunity to see themselves in a role they might have never thought about before. “I come here, I feel just like I have a whole career and I feel like I really want to do this now,” Amyleh said, revealing how her experience at Hero Day has ignited her passion.

A Community Effort

The enthusiasm and support from parents, staff, and volunteers made this event a true community celebration. From learning life skills to gaining practical knowledge about fire safety, the day was filled with invaluable experiences that will surely stick with these young ladies for years to come.

As the day wound down, the smiles on the girls’ faces were proof that they had not only learned about firefighting but had also discovered so much about themselves. For many, including Amyleh Henderson, Hero Day served as a stepping stone toward a bright future filled with possibilities.