Camp Molly motivates next-generation female firefighters to succeed in life

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July 18, 2022
Alex Filipe

Thirty-five young women taking part Thursday in the inaugural Camp Molly’s first day were fired up to learn and overcome challenges of the firefighting profession while learning first-hand the skills needed to be a first responder.

The four-day firefighting orientation camp saw the women working in teams as they rotated through a series of activities based on Firefighter Level 1 training, such as fire investigation and fire dynamics, medical scenarios, auto extrication, firefighter survival and forcible entry.

Camp Molly was founded in 2019 in Halton Region in Oakville by Belleville Fire Chief Monique Belair, director of Fire and Emergency Services.

The cost for the camp is free for selected participants and everything needed to take part is covered.

In addition to the training courses, speakers were arranged for the young attendees to learn more about women who have taken up careers in “non-traditional roles,” a term which many would like to do away with.

“The last thing we want to hear when we say Fire Service is non-traditional because it’s not non-traditional,” said Belair. “The fire service is for every single one of us and we have a place here. We belong here and are proving it here today.”

As they enjoyed a meal provided by Firehouse Subs in Belleville, attendees listened to three influential figures from the different areas of first responders, EMS, Policing and Firefighting.

Belleville Police Inspector Sheri Meeks spoke on the rewarding and challenging aspects of police work. Alexis Boltsis, a firefighter with the city of Vaughan touched on how important it is seeing other women working and thriving in first responder roles. Finally, Sydney Trimble, a primary care paramedic for Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services, addressed the stereotypes on how first responders are portrayed in the media.

While each of the three women have found themselves in different roles, they all share the same drive and determination to succeed and thrive in their professions.

Being able to impart that passion to the next generation of first responders at Camp Molly was an invaluable opportunity, they said.

“I wish we all could have had something like [Camp Molly], because we were always told, ‘you can’t do that,’” said Meeks. “If anybody’s being told you can’t be a firefighter, you can’t be a paramedic, you can’t be a police officer because those are traditionally male, we know that that’s not true anymore.”

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” added Boltsis. “Seeing women in these roles lets others know they can also do that. I think that’s a huge thing, something I didn’t have growing up, but I wish I was able to see it.”

Some have made the assumption that to be a first responder, specifically a firefighter, one of the key merits is strength and size. But as the young attendees are finding out, teamwork, communication, mentality and technique are the skills needed to be a successful first responder.

“Communication is freaking huge,” said Trimble. “You show up on scene and people are running around, there’s lights, there’s sirens, there’s family screaming, being strong is not going to help that in any way. It’s empathy. It’s getting down on the person’s level, it’s being able to rationalize this is an emergency for someone.”

“Strength isn’t just like how much muscle you have or how much you can lift ... Maybe you can’t do it a certain way, is there another way? Is this way even easier?” queried Boltsis. “We’re a team, you use everyone’s strengths. At the end of the day, when I’m going into a burning building, I want to know I can trust my crew, and my crew wants to be able to trust me.”

“Every job, no matter what you do, has certain skills that are required. There’s bona fide occupational requirements for every single one of our jobs. And strength is one very small portion, it seems to be the one that’s always highlighted,” said Meeks. “I would challenge that and say the mental component is way more important than the physical component. That’s mental strength, tenacity and perseverance and being able to lean on your team members when things are not going as well because they have different skill sets than you.”

The mental toughness is also seen in being able to reach out for support when you need it. First responders are exposed to tragedy almost every day, some may think the tough thing is to bottle those emotions -- but the real courage comes in reaching out for help.

“Being able to speak up when things aren’t right, with a scene but also with yourself,” said Trimble. “Just being able to say, I’m actually not good, that call really messed me up and I need some help.”

“I’d hate to be stereotypical, but men seem to think that that’s a weakness, to show vulnerability -- it shows strength,” added Meeks. “The best leaders that I’ve ever worked for throughout my entire career, whether they be male or female, were able to show that they’re human beings, and they’re vulnerable, that they too, can struggle with things -- It’s a part of how you survive.”

The camp has only just begun for the eager attendee.

Over the coming days each member will have an opportunity to see what a career as a firefighter is like.

It all culminates in a fire-fit challenge and graduation ceremony in front of the Belleville Fire Station 1 this Sunday.