by Katie Lillard
Not everyone is cut out for a life of service. Be it a calling or a gift, a life devoted to helping others is nothing short of remarkable. For WRUS senior Delaney Kimble, pursuing a future in emergency services is not only a path, it’s a passion.
Delaney started volunteering at her local fire department in Rock Hall, Maryland when she was thirteen years old. Now seventeen and certified to ride on 911 calls, Delaney is getting additional training at The Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland.
Every morning from 9 to 12, Delaney attends class and participates in live prescribed burns. “The work is intense—we carry an additional 85–90 pounds of gear just with our pants, jacket, gloves, and air cylinder.”
Delaney’s flexible school schedule allows her to take her senior-year classes in the afternoon, but her day is far from over when she leaves campus at 4 p.m. Every day after school, Delaney works one of her two part-time jobs, and even with her busy schedule, is available for rescue calls at the Rock Hall firehouse.
“Overall, the experience I am allowed to gain on my own time by riding on emergency calls at any time of the day or night is the best kind of learning experience. I have formed bonds that I would compare to a brotherhood/sisterhood,” said Delaney.
“Our goal is to be there for a stranger on what could possibly be the worst day of their lives. No matter how little of an act you perform, it can impact someone tremendously when they are in such a vulnerable moment.”
This spring, Delaney will earn her high school diploma from WRUS as well as certifications for firefighter 1 and 2, hazmat operations, emergency medical responder, rescue tech, and more from the Fire and Rescue Institute.
After graduation, Delaney plans to enroll in Chesapeake College’s EMT program and apply to the Queen Anne's County Emergency Medical Services to put her passion for helping others to use.
“The art of compassion and sympathy is something that not everyone has, but those who do tend to make a great impact on how someone is feeling,” said Delaney. “I want to be the light on someone's worst day and have the skills that it takes to save a life. Sometimes the way you're treated is better than any medication in the box.”
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