After Harry Beauchamp of Lititz graduated from Manheim Township High School in 2015, he decided to take a break from his academic career to explore new opportunities. He wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to pursue for a career, but he began working at Lancaster General Hospital as he considered different options during his gap year.

Beauchamp's job at the hospital entailed moving equipment and doing general housekeeping tasks. During his breaks, he started to watch episodes of a television show that follows real-life first responders in New Orleans, and it sparked an interest in Beauchamp that would grow into a passion for firefighting.

Today, Beauchamp is a volunteer firefighter at the Willow Street Fire Company, and he works full time as an emergency medical technician and firefighter in Parkesburg and Kennett Square. Beauchamp started his career by completing a training course offered through a partnership between Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and Lancaster EMS. In the first portion of the accelerated program, Beauchamp studied human anatomy and medical science. Once the classes were completed, he trained in the field to learn about patient assessment and other skills necessary to respond to an ambulance call. Beauchamp worked in Lancaster for two years before finding work in Chester County, where most emergencies are handled by first responders who serve as both EMTs and firefighters.

"I never had any doubts about becoming a first responder," Beauchamp said. "You don't necessarily meet people on their best days in this job, but connecting with them and being able to help in their time of need is really fulfilling."

Beauchamp's passion for his field isn't limited to fighting fires and responding to emergencies. Beauchamp frequently takes pictures of fire stations and their trucks, a hobby that he acquired shortly after becoming a firefighter himself. Beauchamp's job as an EMT often took him near Conestoga Fire Company, and he liked to capture shots of the fire trucks when they left the station. In 2020, Beauchamp upgraded his camera and officially created a Facebook page for his pictures. Since then, he has traveled to Mountville, Millersville and numerous other towns across the county to capture local fire stations and their equipment. Beauchamp has even traveled to other parts of Pennsylvania and its surrounding states to photograph fellow firefighters. "I started visiting as many departments as I could for pictures, but I loved being able to connect with others in the field and see how different stations are run," Beauchamp said.

To check out Beauchamp's work, search for "Harry Beauchamp Fire Photography" on Facebook or @harryjb26 on Instagram.