Firefighter is making a difference
Staff reporter
Even though Kim Ross of Marion is the first female firefighter to join the Marion Fire Department, Ross is quick to say she's not different.
"I'm not any different from the guys," Ross said. "They've all got families and jobs, too. The only difference really is my size."
Formerly a member of the Lincolnville Fire Department, Ross brings more than 10 years of experience to the Marion department.
"With her experience and knowledge, I'd be willing to follow her into any fire or situation," said Thad Meierhoff, Marion fire chief. "She will be an asset to our department."
Prior to becoming a firefighter, Ross was told a woman's place was in the home — barefoot and pregnant.
"I have a bad habit of showing people I can do something when they say I can't," said Ross with a smile.
More importantly, Ross said she became a firefighter because she wanted to help her community.
"Without Barb Kaiser's support, I probably wouldn't have been so willing to join," said Ross. Kaiser is the wife of Lincolnville Fire Chief Lester Kaiser. "Barb was so willing to watch our kids when we got a call."
Since moving to Marion, Ross said she missed the department and teaching fire safety to children.
"I really missed doing all that and wanted to get back in it again," said Ross.
Training will be in Ross' future, especially with hydrants.
"Lincolnville doesn't have hydrants," said Ross.
One of her most memorable times she reported to a fire as a Lincolnville firefighter was when she was nine months pregnant.
"I drove the bunker truck because it was the truck I could fit behind the wheel in," said Ross.
In addition to her contribution to the community as a firefighter, Ross also is an EMT, emergency medical technician. She decided to become an EMT following incidents as a firefighter.
"The first fire I responded to in Lincolnville was an arson," explained Ross. "The arsonist was injured and I couldn't help him."
Ross recalls another incident where her EMT skills would have been helpful.
"Another time, I responded to a fatal vehicle fire and I couldn't help then either," said Ross.
Being an EMT and firefighter is helpful, said Ross.
"It's helpful not just for the victims at the scene but for my fellow firefighters," said Ross.
The petite Ross notes her size can put her at a disadvantage over most of the men in the fire department.
"But once we put on the bunker gear, we're all the same (males and females). We're here to do a job."
Ross adds, "We do it because we want to make a difference."
Ross and husband Wally have five children, Riley Ross, 15, Jake Czarnowsky, 14, Roxann Ross, 13, Royce Ross, 10, Christian Czarnowsky, 8.
She is a secretary at G&J Video/Gene's Travel, Marion
