Sisterhood Spotlight

What inspired you to become a firefighter?

At the beginning of the pandemic a major event happened in my hometown and I had to watch more than 400 houses burn down. I felt absolutely and painstakingly helpless because I could not do anything. I was completely shocked how little the fire department in Davao could do in this tragedy. I knew at that moment I had to answer a call. As I started the training and running with the crews as a red hat, I grew to love the work, mission, and the absolute comradery of my brothers and sisters, crew, and life at the station. 

You serve on the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department’s first all-female crew, how does that make you feel considering firefighting is often a male-dominated career? Have you found any advantages to being a woman in this field? 

I am proud to show our staff and community that what men can do, we can do too, and be an active part of this field. Sure, biological differences exist, but they can be overcome with technique and hard work. It does make me work harder but all of us still here have shown that we can achieve quite a bit when we all work together with a common mission and purpose. There are several advantages a woman has over a man. For example, people may not realize that most calls that firefighters get are medical in nature and many patients are more comfortable with a woman than a man. Faces often soften when I arrive on scene. We are equally welcomed by our community. 

What has been your most prideful experience since you became a firefighter? 

There are many experiences I have had that make me proud of what I do. One that sticks in my mind was getting a special request from my Chief to join a call I was not scheduled for because of my small size. Many would consider this a disadvantage, but because the call had to deal with rescue in a confined space, it became a direct tactical advantage. In this job there are many advantages and disadvantages with size, muscle mass, and physical and mental acuity, but these can be overcome.

The other one that sticks out was being asked at the start of fire school class to provide a motivational speech to the new recruits. Mostly because I am small, older, and a woman. Not only did I get to show that I survived the training, but I got to be an example of how you can gain the respect of those that train others with many lifetimes of experience. If I can do it, they can do it. Hopefully I was able to give the students that motivation to persevere when things get hard because they certainly will.

September 11, 2001 holds immeasurable meaning to this country, do you and your colleagues have any rituals that pay tribute to the fallen and the first responders on that day?

9-11 is a very somber day for us but also a source of pride, remembrance, and motivation. It’s a constant reminder of our mortality, our calling, our understanding that this can all be gone in a second, and a reminder that many will serve until the end. Many of us participate in events, remembrances, and activities such as the 9/11 memorial stair climb. But many remember in silence because of the depth of sorrow that we feel for our fallen brothers and sisters.

What would you say to someone considering a career as a firefighter or other first responder?

If you have the time, will, and tenacity, do it. You can do it as a career or as a volunteer so there are many options depending on your situation. Serving others builds a direct tie to your community. You get to help people on their worst day and provide meaningful value to their lives. It will not be easy, but it is extremely fulfilling, and you will build camaraderie, gaining a large extended family for life from old to young and all nationalities. Everywhere I go, we find our tribe and we all have a common story. The firehouse table where we break bread, share stories, learn, relate, and grow in many ways is like our second home.

About Angela Boers

Angela Boers was born in Davao City, Philippines with one older sister and two half-brothers. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the University of Cebu in 1996. Knowing that she had always wanted to come to the United States, she took an opportunity in 2001 when it presented itself. She started off working odd jobs before being hired as an Accounting Tech for the Smithsonian- a job that she still holds while also serving as a firefighter and EMT. She met her now-husband, Jacco, and they moved to Sterling, Virginia in 2003. They have been happily married for over 15 years now and have two daughters that are their pride and joy. Outside of her family, and the firehouse, she loves photography, traveling, and playing with her dogs.