Fresh out of the Firefighter Academy and Probationary Rookie of the Year; Jessica Pruitt is more than ecstatic to have chosen her career path as a firewoman. Pruitt decided to become a firefighter a year and a half ago while finishing her degree at Ivy Tech Community College. While doing clinicals, Pruitt overheard the firefighter calls on the intercom system and realized just how exciting those calls were.
After graduating from Ivy Tech, Pruitt decided to apply to the South Haven Fire Department and was super happy when she found out she was accepted as a volunteer. A few weeks after being a volunteer at the department, Pruitt was sponsored by the fire department to go into their academy. For Pruitt, this opportunity was just the beginning of her success as a firefighter.
“Getting sponsored was amazing. I just wanted to make them so proud because they believed in me. I wanted to be at the top of the class and prove that I could do it,” said Pruitt.
Since she was both volunteering and educating herself at the academy, Pruitt quickly became one of the volunteer squad leaders. She did not ever expect she would run or become a leader, but she was nominated by not only her squad but other squads as well. To become a squad leader so quickly illustrates the leadership and educational capabilities Pruitt possesses.
“I was trying to educate them on what I was learning and they were doing the same. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew what to do. We’ll all be helping each other out in the field one day,” Pruitt said.
As a volunteer at the South Haven Fire Department, Pruitt has to reach a goal of 40 on-call hours per month. Depending on the type of call, it could just be Pruitt and her fellow firefighters or multiple stations. During her time as a volunteer, Pruitt has grown accustomed to the realization that she might have to wear more than one hat while on the job.
“You never know what’s going to be expected of you on the job. You have to think on your feet a lot. But that’s what makes it so much fun,” said Pruitt.
Once a year, the local fire departments put on an awards night to recognize their firefighters for the bravery they exude every day. This recent award banquet is where Pruitt received her award as Probationary Rookie of the Year. For Pruitt, this award displayed how one can go from knowing not a lot about a career to encompassing everything that career stands for. This award proved to her and everyone else that anything is possible.
“I was very proud. It made me feel like all the hours and hard work I've put in have shown. I've earned the respect of all these people I didn't even know a year ago. I didn't even expect to get the award and when they called my name I was so amazed and humbled. Most of my family was there to celebrate with me. This award solidified that my work paid off,” Pruitt said.
As one of only seven females chosen to be recruited for the South Haven Fire Department, Pruitt is amazed at how far she’s made it. She would like to let any young woman considering joining a career as a firefighter know that if you dream it and chase it, you can be that difference. Pruitt’s goal is to be the youngest Hispanic woman to be a full-time firefighter.
“I cannot wait to see where this career, in general, takes me. Firefighting has become my life,” said Pruitt.