In Girl Scouts, ‘Be Prepared’ is more than a motto.
This year, Troop 83715 from Central & Southern NJ is making strides toward safety education. They recently hosted Woodbridge Township, NJ Local 290 fire fighter Andrea Schelmety and other local first responders to share invaluable tips and tricks of the trade.
It was amazing; the moms were great, and the girls were hooked. We talked about first aid, fire safety, heat exhaustion, CPR – all the essentials
Andrea Schelmety
Two years ago, Schelmety found herself at the perfect intersection of timing and destiny. She never imagined her life’s journey would transition from reporting on fires to actively combating them.
“I was going to college at the time for a degree in journalism and media studies at Rutgers University, and I took a fire fighter prep course to help my brother,” she said. “My father suggested I take the test myself, I aced the test and got hired. It fits; I wanted to help, be part of a team, and learn – and here I am.”
Now, she serves as a role model, not only within her community but also within the firehouse.
“There were two other women fire fighters hired on after Andrea and they are paving the way, making a difference, and bringing a different perspective that is positive for fire fighters and the union,” said Dave Hines, president of Woodbridge, NJ Local 290 and 2nd VP of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. “Thanks to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission and the good work they do to make sure our workplaces are diverse and reflective of the community we serve.”
As Schelmety continues to make a difference in her community and among her peers, she’s a shining example of dedication, leadership and service.
“It is all about role models and pushing yourself and the important message: ‘You are not progressing if you are not learning,’” troop leader Deanna Sadowski said.
Showing young girls it is ‘never too late to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.’
Deanna Sadowski
“She explained how she did all these other things before becoming a fire fighter and how it is never too late to try something new,” said troop member, Nina.
Schelmety encouraged the girls to venture beyond their comfort zones, exploring various hobbies with the possibility of someday following in her shoes.
“Go out for the sports team, and try that hobby that may not seem cool or maybe more of a boy thing; there are no gender roles,” she said. “You do not have to be the biggest, strongest, or fastest, but as long as you have the most heart, come with a willingness to learn, and possess a fire inside that you will never give up, I think you will find the fire service is a place for you, and you will succeed.”
