VIDEO: Abbie Whitehill has been elected as the first female chief of the Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she plans to focus on meeting emergency needs and enhancing community outreach during her term.
“My mom told me whatever I set my mind to, I’m going to do it. And it doesn’t matter how big those dreams and goals are, it doesn’t matter if they seem impossible,” Whitehill said.
Whitehill, who works full-time as a paramedic supervisor, was introduced to firefighting by her husband, Gordon, a volunteer firefighter and EMT. She is the only woman among the Pioneer Fire Company’s 20 or so tactical volunteers, a distinction she embraces.
“Trying to keep up with the guys and be as good as they are, really motivates me to just do what I can to meet that standard,” she said.
After being elected as the fire company’s first female chief, Whitehill expressed a mix of emotions. “I think I feel every single emotion possible after winning. Terrified. Happy. Excited. Anxious. But I have nothing but good feeling that it’s going to be a really awesome year,” she said.
