Forest Park Fire Department invites girls to learn about firefighting at Camp Believe

Forest Park hosts camp for girls

Forest Park Fire Department recently hosted a camp just for girls so they could learn about being a firefighter.

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - The Forest Park Fire Department recently hosted its first-ever all-girls camp to encourage and empower young women to pursue careers in firefighting. The camp, aptly named "Camp Believe," aimed to shatter stereotypes and prove that women, too, can become heroes in the world of fire and rescue.

Forest Park Fire Chief Latosha Clemons spearheaded this initiative with the goal of inspiring and recruiting the next generation of female firefighters. Chief Clemons emphasized, "It's of the utmost importance for women to understand that they can achieve and aspire to be anything they want to be, but most certainly a firefighter."

The camp provided a unique opportunity for young girls to explore their potential in the world of firefighting. Chief Clemons hopes that by participating in Camp Believe, these girls will be encouraged to consider firefighting as a viable career option in the future.

Makenzie Martin, a high school sophomore and one of the camp's enthusiastic participants, shared her motivation, saying, "Being a firefighter was always at the top of my list. I want to join the military; I want to become a hero, you know. I think becoming a firefighter is the best way because I also want to be an EMT at the same time, and I think it would be perfect if I were a paramedic for the fire department."

During their time at Camp Believe, these aspiring young firefighters had the opportunity to witness female firefighters in action. They learned about using firefighting equipment, including ladders, trucks, the Jaws of Life, and participated in various drills. Activities included learning CPR techniques and practicing the critical skill of extinguishing fires.

Chief Clemons stressed that the camp's core message is to empower these girls to believe in themselves and their dreams. She hopes that by participating in such initiatives, these young women will understand that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.