Salute to First Responders Sponsored by #IVEGOTYOURBACK911
In St. Thomas, we are fortunate to have dedicated first responders, and among them is Molly Jenkins, a 26-year-old firefighter who has served the St. Thomas Fire Department (STFD) since November 28, 2022. As a third-class firefighter, Molly is part of a dedicated team that ensures our community’s safety and well-being, often working 24-hour shifts and being on call for anything from fires to medical emergencies. Molly’s journey to becoming a firefighter is deeply rooted in her love for teamwork, which stems from her sports background, particularly hockey. “I played pretty high-level hockey throughout my childhood and into university,” she explains. “It coordinates with this job because, like in sports, firefighting is all about teamwork. You can’t do it alone; you have to rely on your team.” That sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility is one of the most important aspects of firefighting. “When the tones drop, and the bells ring, you’re on the truck with your team, ready to respond. Whether it’s a med call, fire, or motor vehicle collision (MVC), you’re constantly communicating with your partner to ensure you’re ready when you step off that truck.” Molly also shared how much she enjoys the unpredictability of the job. “It’s something different every day. You never know what you’re going to get. It’s not a typical desk job where you show up and know what to expect.” This excitement is what keeps Molly engaged. She adds, “I like that it keeps you on your toes. Never a dull day around here, that’s for sure.” Despite the excitement, firefighting comes with its share of challenges. The stress of responding to emergencies and witnessing the worst days of people’s lives can be heavy. But Molly and her fellow firefighters are supported by an array of mental health resources. “We have a lot of great support systems in place. You see things you’re not supposed to see, things the average person wouldn’t, so having that safety net is crucial.” Molly herself enjoys getting back into nature as her method of coping with stress. When asked about the most challenging aspect of the job, Molly says it’s the lack of closure. “One of the hardest parts is the lack of knowledge or closure you get after a call about the individual you’ve helped. Doing all that you can to help on the
scene and not knowing the outcome once the scene or patient is handed off definitely takes a toll.” One of the unique experiences Molly enjoys is being able to serve the community where she grew up. “It’s cool to work in a town you’ve grown up in. Knowing the streets and the people and being able to give back to the community that raised me— it’s an amazing feeling. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Molly Jenkins, like all first responders, is an everyday hero. Her dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the job make her the person you want to see when you’re having your worst day. Through teamwork, resilience, and compassion, she and her fellow firefighters ensure that when the call comes in, they are ready to serve and protect.
Hometown St. Thomas • October 2024 • Page 11
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