Phoenix Fire hosts all-girls public safety camp

PHOENIX - A group of high school students are getting a first-hand look at exactly what it takes to become a Phoenix firefighter.

This one is for the girls – welcome to Camp Franklin.

"I think it's a good thing because, mostly, I just see firefighter guys," said Natalie Solis. "So it's a good thing girls are getting involved."

The annual all-girls public safety camp is well underway. A partnership with the Phoenix Union High School District and all the public safety entities that surround it makes it possible.

Today, Franklin High School students are getting to see the day in the life of a Phoenix firefighter.

"Out here today they'll get turn outs, we'll do bucket brigades, we'll do search and rescue, they'll climb the tower, they'll take tools to the top," Phoenix Fire Deputy Chief Reda Bigler said. "They'll get to feel the weight of the equipment – what it is to be a firefighter and what we go through on our daily job."

Bigler enjoys being a mentor to the young girls. She says today is a great day for other female firefighters to come out and show the next generation what it takes to do the job.

"When you see someone that looks like you doing a job, there's a part of you that says, ‘I think I can do that too,' and that's what our goal is, to inspire and give these girls hope that you can do anything you want to do," she said.

Someone that's already inspired is sophomore Katherine Ramirez. She's already planning to be a firefighter.

"I like the fact that there's a lot of responsibility and discipline that comes along with it, a lot of work," she said.

Welcome to Camp Franklin. A group of high school students are getting a first-hand look at exactly what it takes to become a Phoenix firefighter.

Katherine is hoping this camp will help make her dream a reality right out of high school.

"Looking for the skills that are required for the future fire fighting program, what we need to do," she said. "That’s what I’m really looking forward to."