Article via Delaware County Daily Times
Samantha Simonsen, a mother and Director of Clinical Operations at Penn Medicine for sleep disorders, gains unique, life-saving medical experience as a volunteer firefighter, often in high-stakes situations that go beyond her daily role.
“When I joined South Media Fire Company, I didn’t know how hands-on it would be, especially with some medical calls. Although I work in the medical field, I feel like I do more as a volunteer firefighter,” she said.
Simonsen joined the team in 2022 with no fire service background, leading to some initial apprehension. Though she had planned to become a fire police officer, encouragement from other, more seasoned volunteers led her to pursue firefighting—and she quickly adapted, exceeding her own expectations.
“I went through the Fire Academy with another volunteer who joined at the same time as me, Jay Preston. We were blowing it out of the park, and it was amazing to see what I was able to accomplish physically. It was a whole new world for me and something that I never thought I could do,” said Simonsen.
In her professional role, Simonsen’s days vary from managing employees and clinical operations to overseeing budgets and conducting overnight sleep studies. She often experiences anxiety in stressful or uncertain situations, but volunteering has played a key role in helping her manage and overcome it.
“It’s almost like immersing yourself into something you are afraid of, like a fear of heights, until you are more comfortable with that feeling. In my case, it’s stressful or unknown situations, and now, I feel more confident and like I can tackle anything,” Simonsen said.
While firefighting is often seen as a male-dominated industry, South Media Fire Company defies that stereotype, embracing diversity and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds.
“This isn’t just for men– the women at our firehouse perform really well in high-pressure situations. Women are extremely important to have in the fire company and we are a vital asset, so I think it’s essential to shine a line on that,” Simonsen said
“There’s such a cohesiveness in the firehouse. We’re all very different, but we have this commonality– we don’t do it for money or for any recognition, we do it to give back to our community,” she added.
Volunteers at South Media Fire Company protect and serve the residents of Nether Providence Township, Rose Valley Borough and surrounding areas. No prior experience is needed to join South Media Fire Company, and training and gear are provided to all volunteers for free. To express interest in volunteering, visit www.SouthMediaFire.com/Contact to get started.