Her Voice September/October
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to go home at the end of a call. While she has been welcomed into the male-dominated world of firefighting, Johnson explained there are still times when she is reminded of how the inroads women have made in the profession are still fresh. Some things you have to take with a grain of salt, she said. It still is a predominantly male environment, so you have to not mind being called a fireman occasionally. It s just what people are used to. Nobody means offense by it. For some people, it s been a hard transition. Is it fireman ? Firelady ? Just like it used to be policeman. Now police officer is the more gender-neutral term. Johnson recognizes that the lifestyle of a volunteer firefighter is not for everyone. Every Monday, the local department has a meeting or training. And, of course, a page can come across at any time of the day or night summoning firefighters to an accident or blaze. But it s a lifestyle that has served her well, she said. It s something she shares with her fianc , Larry Nickles, who is Yankton s deputy fire chief. We both enjoy working on things together, Johnson stated. The different projects we take on usually, if one of us is involved, the other is, too. It s a teamwork approach we have. We grow together and help the department grow. It has also led to a deeper understanding of each other, she said. If we have a bad call, it affects both of us. But we can help each other through it, Johnson explained. That s a perk that we have. You feel these things with them, and your heart breaks with them. You pick each other up and go on. The only downside to Larry and I both being on the department is, if we have a long call, meals are missed and laundry is not done, she continued. Whereas, if it s just one firefighter in the family, someone is there to pick up the pieces. In our household, everything gets dropped and we do what we need to do. It s there when we get back. If any women reading this are thinking about becoming a firefighter or entering some other field traditionally dominated by males, Johnson offers very simple advice. If you re interested in something, go for it, she said. Don t let anything stop you if you have the ability, the willingness and the drive. In the volunteer fire departments of smaller communities, for example, it s really important for them to have the participation and people they can count upon. Anyone who can bring that is worth their weight in gold. by Nathan Johnson Photos by Heidi Henson Stand out in the crowd with hair that turns heads. We re the salon professionals you can trust. Joyce Jami Kellie We are a full service salon Unique Spa Packages: Most packages include a hair service. Private spa parties also available (include water, juice, coffee & a small lunch) 115 Broadway, Suite 5, Yankton 665-2619 If you wouldn t accept seeing like this why would you settle for hearing like it? Take the rst step to clearing up your hearing and get back to the quality of life you expect. Better hearing is just a phone call away. Dr. Matthew Rumsey AUDIOLOGIST Avera Professional Of ce Pavilion & Education Center 409 Summit St., Suite 2800 Yankton, SD 57078 HEARING CLEAR UP YOUR Call 1-888-515-6820 today to schedule your appointment today. HERVOICE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 9
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- Avera Yankton Ear Nose & Throat
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to go home at the end of a call. While she has been welcomed into the male-dominated world of firefighting, Johnson explained there are still times when she is reminded of how the inroads women have made in the profession are still fresh. Some things you have to take with a grain of salt, she said. It still is a predominantly male environment, so you have to not mind being called a fireman occasionally. It s just what people are used to. Nobody means offense by it. For some people, it s been a hard transition. Is it fireman ? Firelady ? Just like it used to be policeman. Now police officer is the more gender-neutral term. Johnson recognizes that the lifestyle of a volunteer firefighter is not for everyone. Every Monday, the local department has a meeting or training. And, of course, a page can come across at any time of the day or night summoning firefighters to an accident or blaze. But it s a lifestyle that has served her well, she said. It s something she shares with her fianc , Larry Nickles, who is Yankton s deputy fire chief. We both enjoy working on things together, Johnson stated. The different projects we take on usually, if one of us is involved, the other is, too. It s a teamwork approach we have. We grow together and help the department grow. It has also led to a deeper understanding of each other, she said. If we have a bad call, it affects both of us. But we can help each other through it, Johnson explained. That s a perk that we have. You feel these things with them, and your heart breaks with them. You pick each other up and go on. The only downside to Larry and I both being on the department is, if we have a long call, meals are missed and laundry is not done, she continued. Whereas, if it s just one firefighter in the family, someone is there to pick up the pieces. In our household, everything gets dropped and we do what we need to do. It s there when we get back. If any women reading this are thinking about becoming a firefighter or entering some other field traditionally dominated by males, Johnson offers very simple advice. If you re interested in something, go for it, she said. Don t let anything stop you if you have the ability, the willingness and the drive. In the volunteer fire departments of smaller communities, for example, it s really important for them to have the participation and people they can count upon. Anyone who can bring that is worth their weight in gold. by Nathan Johnson Photos by Heidi Henson Stand out in the crowd with hair that turns heads. We re the salon professionals you can trust. Joyce Jami Kellie We are a full service salon Unique Spa Packages: Most packages include a hair service. Private spa parties also available (include water, juice, coffee & a small lunch) 115 Broadway, Suite 5, Yankton 665-2619 If you wouldn t accept seeing like this why would you settle for hearing like it? Take the rst step to clearing up your hearing and get back to the quality of life you expect. Better hearing is just a phone call away. Dr. Matthew Rumsey AUDIOLOGIST Avera Professional Of ce Pavilion & Education Center 409 Summit St., Suite 2800 Yankton, SD 57078 HEARING CLEAR UP YOUR Call 1-888-515-6820 today to schedule your appointment today. HERVOICE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 9
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