Phoenix Firecamp 2025 Held in Utica

13 teenage girls ages 14-19 graduated from Phoenix Firecamp 2025, an intensive annual training week conducted by the Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS) that is aimed at interesting young women in joining the fire and emergency services. The program began in 2007 and to date there are 238 graduates.

Of the 19 instructors and team leaders, there were nine from New York state volunteer departments, three from the FDNY, and one from FDNY EMS, Rochester Fire Department, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Buffalo Fire Department. FSWNYS welcomes qualified firefighters from throughout the United States to apply for a staff position, understanding this is entirely volunteer and staff pay all their own expenses. Two instructors from Montgomery County (MD) Fire and one from Prince George’s County (MD) Volunteer Marine Fire and Rescue Department also participated this year.

The 2025 graduates are: Daniela Bausano (Huntington Station), Abigail Bhattacharjee (Kingston), Haley Carpenter (Schenectady), Jenna Carpenter (Mount Upton), Sierra Fountaine (Schuylerville), Grayce Hebding (Naples), Sarah Herzig (Croghan), Mackenzie Hubbell (Margaretville), Villette Jary (Barker), Caitlin LeSuer (Tannersville), Joelis Padilla (Bridgeport, CT), Abby Stoneham (Wellsville), and Madison Watson (East Rockaway).

The Phoenix Firecamp curriculum is designed to help campers develop confidence, enhance leadership skills, and broaden their problem-solving abilities. Phoenix staff members work to foster friendly competition, nurture community spirit, and promote inclusiveness in a positive and safe environment. Phoenix Firecamp offers an authentic experience in the life of a firefighter and is a unique program for teenage girls to explore options for women in fire and emergency services.

The classroom and hands-on curriculum introduces campers to basic aspects of the fire and emergency services. Exercises include: donning gear, use of SCBA, search and rescue, basics of engine/ladder company operations, aerial ladder climb, auto extrication and disentanglement, water rescue, roof ventilation, portable ladders, forcible entry, tools, ropes and knots, nozzles/fittings/hydrants, standpipes/hose roll/fold, thermal imaging camera, medical scenarios, ambulance familiarization, fire behavior/fire safety, introduction to hazardous materials, fitness and nutrition, and CPR training and certification.

The City of Utica Fire Department and the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department partner with FSWNYS in producing the camp. Utica provides camper housing, logistical support, equipment, EMS coverage, the use of its apparatus, and the training grounds. Westmoreland donates transportation, hosts two evening social events, and secures donations from area businesses.

Learn more about FSWNYS and Phoenix Firecamp here. The 2026 Phoenix Firecamp application and specifics will be posted after January 1, 2026.