Sarah Ames, sergeant at station 39-1 with Garden Spot Fire Rescue (GSFR), first became interested in firefighting when she was 18 years old and living in Christiana. Now, she is the first female officer at GSFR, earning her sergeant rank in January 2020.

The Coatesville High School graduate had always felt the urge to serve. "I felt it was my responsibility to give back somehow," stated Ames. "I was able-bodied, young and willing, and I had time." When she moved to Christiana, Ames lived close enough to the firehouse to be able to jog there. "I would see the guys that were running there and hear the house siren," she recalled. "And I was sitting doing nothing."

Ames soon became a volunteer in Christiana and immediately fell in love with the work. "I was there about two and one-half years, and I finished up my Fire One (training) while I was there," she recalled.

About seven years ago, when Ames, who has a degree in environmental science from Southern New Hampshire University (she is now studying for her master's), began working in Middletown in an environmental safety and health position, she moved to New Holland and quickly volunteered with GSFR. "I spend three nights a week here doing and preparing for trainings and committees," she said, adding that she loves to teach. She also runs a few calls each week. "I love the excitement," she said. "I love interacting with people and trying to make a positive difference."

Ames noted that because of the variety of work GSFR does - aiding in water rescues, medical assists, motor vehicle accidents, and fighting fires - volunteers spend as much time in the classroom as on calls. "It's a whole range of things you have to stay proficient in," she stated. "Firefighters have to enjoy learning. These guys are smart, and they spend their weekends doing classes."

As one of the few female firefighters in Lancaster County, Ames has a passion for bringing more young women into the field. "We have some junior females at GSFR, and I have been trying to mentor them a bit," said Ames, who noted it can be overwhelming for young women to join what has traditionally been a masculine profession. "You quickly have to learn to be assertive and confident in yourself," she said.

Ames also has deep concerns for the well-being of her fellow volunteers. "I am super passionate about mental health among the fire service (personnel)," she said, noting that about two years ago GSFR lost a member to suicide. "Now I harp on these guys about their mental health," she said.

Readers who would like to learn more about GSFR may visit http://www.gsfr39.net, call 717-354-8311, or email chief@gsfr39.net.