Supporting Female First Responders - the Triple F Foundation!

Triple F Foundation is a non-profit with 501(c)(3) supporting first responders challenged with battling cancer, and on the job injuries, as well as provide resources for training and education. Triple F means- Fierce Female First Responders, The Triple F Foundation was founded in 2020 by its president, Miami-Dade Lieutenant Tina Guiler. Their mission is to support front line first responders dealing with the challenges of cancer, injury, physical and mental illness; and to provide opportunities for public safety related education and training.

We are so excited to share that through this incredible foundation, and thanks to one of our Female First Responders, Tina Menginie, we received a grant for a GWFC Junior Female Firefighter, Zoe Bagosy.This grant will be applied towards her fire school education!

Zoe joined Goodwill Fire Company in 2021 having always had an interest in fire safety and has also volunteered at other fire departments. She has been an incredible asset to our department, always eager to learn and jump in to support wherever she is needed.

We sat down with Zoe and asked her to share her "why" on her desire to pursue being a volunteer firefighter, this is what she had to say:

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in public safety:

I am 17 years old, in my senior year of high school. I currently attend the Emergency Protective Services class at Delaware County Technical High-school and I am in my third year of the class. I currently have my NIMS 100, 200, 200.1, 700, 703.b, 242.b, 800, Careersafe Interview skills, OSHA 10, First aid, CPR, BLS, and HAZMAT Awareness.

When did you decide you wanted to be a volunteer firefighter?

I always really wanted to be a firefighter starting from when I was young. At around 7 years old I decided this would be my career. I started volunteering about 2 or 3 years ago.

What are your goals as a female firefighter in a prominently male environment?

One main goal that I have in this field is to get more females into this field to prove that we can do this kind of work.

What do you think other young women should know about the fire service to help them decide if it’s a right decision for them?

They definitely should know that this is a difficult field to work in. Everyday is different and we never know what to expect. It is also an extremely stressful job, we deal with things that no one else does. We see things that no normal person really see’s, including death itself. But they should also know how rewarding and important the job is to our communities.

What is the most challenging part of being a female firefighter?

The most challenging part of being a female firefighter in my opinion is people looking down on us. A lot of times we have to prove ourselves to be strong enough in this field, And many people look down on us thinking that we cannot handle this job.

What makes you feel the most fulfilled in your service to public safety?

I think the thing that makes me feel as though I completely fulfilled my services is as soon as we come back to the station. Just the feeling of stepping off the truck, taking off my bunker-pants - it gives me a euphoric feeling as though I just saved someone's life.

Looking ahead at your future, what will your major in college be?

I am looking to major in Fire sciences and Fire administration when i go to college. I’m hoping to be able to attend Point Park university over in Pittsburgh with their 4 year program!

Please join us in congratulating Zoe on receiving this grant and wish her best of luck as she continues her career in public safety!

“When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.” - Carol Burnett

Volunteer Now!

If you'd like to donate to this incredible program please visit: https://tripleffoundation.org/