JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As a fourth generation firefighter, there were high expectations for Engineer Pamela Ramsdell.
She has lived up to those high expectations. Ramsdell is responsible for coordinating all aspects of JFRD member funerals, both active duty and retirees, and Line of Duty Deaths (LODD). In 2016, JFRD experienced three LODDs and 17 retiree funerals. Ramsdell is described as managing the stress, anguish, anxiety, and unknowns with grace and dignity.
"I try to be the strong person, the one they can lean on. I want to help them move through the process as easily as possible--it's never an easy situation," Ramsdell said. "It's not something that I like to do all the time, but it's necessary and I like to be in the position to help them."
Last month, Ramsdell was recognized as the 2016 JFRD Lt. Joseph F. Stichway Firefighter of the Year. She is the first female to win the honor and has been lauded by the mayor.
"Public safety is a top priority of my administration,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “I am grateful for the hard work of the brave men and women who serve as first responders. I congratulate Engineer Ramsdell on this award.”
Ramsdell was the first woman to win the Firefighter of the Year award, and it was an easy choice, according to JFRD Chief Kurtis Wilson.
"I put a name forward and my senior staff said, 'stop right there, we don't have anyone close to that'," Wilson said. "It was a unanimous decision for Firefighter of the Year."
Ramsdell also encourages girls to pursue a career as a firefighter.
"Go for it," she said. "It's something that anyone can do. You just have to put your mind to it. Stay in school, get your education, stay in shape, stay strong and put your mind to it."
Ramsdell began her career as a member of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team with her rescue dog Pixel.
Ramsdell’s grandfather was first Chief of Rescue, who was credited with starting the first fire-based rescue service in the country. Ramsdell’s father was a rescue captain, and her great grandfather was a suppression captain.