What’s Right With Your Community: Women Serving Volunteer Fire Departments
We count on volunteer fire departments to protect rural areas when disaster strikes. Many of them operate on a shoestring budget and volunteers who donate their time for free. One Macon County VFD stands out, though. Not just for its commitment to the community but the volunteers leading the way.
Marjorie Watson is a hands-on volunteer fire chief. The Brownville Volunteer Fire Department she leads protects five square miles, hundreds of homes, and thousands of people. She’s been a firefighter for 30 years.
“Actually, I was the only woman that was out fighting because most of the women out at that time was working jobs that they couldn’t be around much in the daytime,” says Watson.
She’s not the only woman suiting up. Of the 23 volunteers, 7 are women. Many are in leadership positions, like Kerri Watson, a former nurse, who is now a volunteer EMT.
“We have our first responders to where we can arrive at the scene, provide the necessary medical treatment in the event that we can save lives,” she says.
Fire Department Chairperson Vicki Mack hopes their example will encourage young girls to serve.
“It’s not about us. It’s about our community. That’s what I’m here for-our community.”
These women hope many more generations of men and women will follow in their footsteps in commitment to service.
“I have a theory about women doing anything. That’s for young women, old women, women of any kind. If a woman has done it before you, you can do it too,” said Watson.
The Brownville Volunteer Fire Department depends entirely on donations and fundraisers. It’s in need of upgrades, including new communication radios. Right now, they only have 8 for 23 volunteers. If you can donate money or equipment, you can call Majorie Watson at (334) 727-2018.
