Burning buildings are no barrier
–Kelsey Delperdang, Communique’
The orange and red flames of a burning building don’t faze Alexandra Walter, fire science management major, nor does the fact that she is one of the few women in the entry-level firefighter program at Kirkwood Community College.
After graduating from Charles City High School, Walter studied radiology at the University of Iowa for two years. However, radiology didn’t catch her attention. After realizing that wasn’t what she wanted to do, Walter sat down with her dad to make a list of things she wanted in a career as well as her skills. On the list included her athleticism, her interest in the medical field, as well as her desire to help people.
Thus, a career as a firefighter was born. Walter said her family and friends were very supportive of her decision. “I have one friend who brags about me to other people, it’s a little embarrassing sometimes,” she said.
After a lengthy interview and physical test, Walter became a volunteer firefighter for the Coralville Fire Department in 2007. When not working full time, as well as being a full time student, the fire department is where she spends most of her free time.
The Coralville Fire Department is staffed with 40 volunteers with only three women in the department. This drove one of the most challenging parts of fire fighting for Walter. “The most challenging part is earning the respect of the other guys and proving to them I’m there for the right reasons,” said Walter.
Volunteering also has a negative impact when it comes to Walter’s sleep habits. Each volunteer is equipped with a pager and when they’re called, no matter what time at night, the volunteers answer.
“It messes with my sleeping pattern,” she said. “But it’s worth it.” Walter said the easiest part about fire fighting for her is that she simply knows that it’s what she wants to do. “It’s easy to learn new things because everything keeps me interested,” she said.
After she finishes at Kirkwood, Walter plans to transfer as a volunteer to a fire department in Kansas City, Mo. and get her paramedic certificate.
When it comes to thinking of fire safety advice, Walter recalls her first call as a volunteer firefighter. “My first call was for a structure fire. It was started from a candle,” she said. “So don’t burn them. They’re awful.”
Her first call was also a reality check for her new career decision. “Seeing the flames in a real situation reminded me of why I want to do this,” she said.