U.S. Army Garrison Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Firefighter Heather Banda is currently the only female firefighter in the Fire & Emergency Services Operations Branch.
She’s been in the career field for four years and at YPG for three years.
An accident she witnessed is what initially intrigued Banda with the role of a first responder.
“It all started when I was 12. I witnessed an accident and I remember running to this car accident — me being 12, I didn’t know what to do but I saw a fire truck and the EMS come and work that call. I thought, ‘wow, this is amazing.’”
Banda admits she was inspired but didn’t immediately follow her dreams. It took her another two decades.
“I told myself, ‘You have to try it. It’s now or never,’” recalls Banda.
So, she signed up for the emergency medical technician program and the fire academy. Once she started learning she said, “I just fell in love with it.”
“Firefighter Banda is an outstanding firefighter who takes a great deal of pride in her profession,” remarked YPG’s Chief for Fire & Emergency Services Gerald Ball.
Banda says not seeing many other women in the field never deterred her from pursuing her goals.
“I did look around and there was only one or two females. But I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a firefighter, so I just kept with it. I didn’t care who was in the class.”
Earlier this year Banda participated in Camp Inferno hosted by the City of Yuma Fire Department. The camp is for female teens interested in learning about the career field.
“They are high schoolers, so they were timid and didn’t know anybody. By the end of the third day everyone was high fiving each other. We all had a blast.”
While fun, the camp was also intense with realistic scenarios and training.
“They had ladder climb, a bucket brigade challenge, they descended from a three-story building.” Adding, “They got to extinguish fires with the hose and learned different techniques.”
The also learned CPR and had first aid training. Banda wishes she had an opportunity like the camp when she was a teen and that is why she wanted to be involved.
“For one to show them what we do as firefighters, and as female firefighters. I showed them techniques I had to modify to make the job a little easier because I am not a 6-foot, 250-pound man who can pick up tools easily. I have to take extra steps” she added, “I am happy to show them my techniques.”
Ball recognized the impact Banda’s participation in camp made. He said, “she provides a tremendous amount of inspiration for young people who may be interested in a future career in the fire service. We consider ourselves fortunate to have her as a member of our organization.”
On May 22, 2024, Garrison Manager Kenneth Musselwhite recognized Banda with a Civilian Service Achievement Medal during the Garrison Employee Recognition Ceremony for her community involvement and participation in Camp Inferno.
Banda wishes she hadn’t waited to pursue her career as a first responder because she loves her job at YPG and all the training the position has provided. She encourages others to fearlessly follow their dreams.
“Just go for it. Do what makes you happy. Don’t let anything stop you. It can be challenging; it takes heart and grit for this job. Don’t stop trying.”
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