Capital City Fire Rescue recently awarded Ella Piatt the Firefighter of Year award. She spoke with Chloe Pleznac, KTOO’s reporter, about her journey to this sometimes dangerous but always rewarding work and offered some wisdom for future firefighters.
This interview was edited to be more concise and clear.
Chloe Pleznac : Ella, congratulations for being named the capital’s firefighter-of-the-year. Can you tell me about your journey to firefighting?
Ella Piatt, I began around the time COVID hit. I was working a lot from home at the time and everything was down. I also started a second job at the airport while the COVID effort was underway. At the time, CCFR was responsible for that effort. I met many firefighters at the airport. Chief Mead approached me and asked me if I would like to be a part of their Firefighter 1 class. I said yes. I had nothing else. So I decided to take up the challenge.
Chloe Pleznac What’s the hardest part about being a volunteer firefighter.
Ella Piatt – I’d say it was comical, trying to reach everything from the tall engines. But that’s why we all help each other. As most people would agree, I am very tall. It’s not a problem other than the normal physical exertion.
Chloe Pleznac What’s the best thing? Something that brings you joy?
Ella Piatt says: I like being active and helping the community and the staff. We’re a great team. That camaraderie is what I love. Also, we can support each other. We are all here to support each other.
Chloe Pleznac What was your reaction to the news of winning this award?
Ella Piatt said: I was very shocked. I was eating food. I was there for the banquet and was taken aback. I was not expecting it.
Chloe Pleznac They didn’t tell you ahead of time that they’d won?
Ella Piatt (no, I don’t know. They sent out nominations via email. I knew they had awards but I wasn’t sure I was. Especially with the incredible firefighters who are in the career staff or other volunteers. It was surprising that I didn’t know I was. I was a bit stunned. I had to think twice and then ask myself, “Is that my name?” Or was it someone else?
Chloe Pleznac This is just a question that I have and it’s for any little boys or girls listening to KTOO. If they are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or growing up, what advice would you give them?
Ella Piatt says: Yes, definitely. Keep your mind open. You’ll learn new skills and you will become more confident in what you do. That’s what I discovered. I didn’t know I would be breaking windows in a fire, or any other job. It was something I never thought I would do. Then I discovered my strengths and weaknesses, which has helped me to see the bigger picture. It is something I strongly encourage, and it should be encouraged.
Chloe Pleznac What were the challenges that you faced as a woman working in this male-dominated industry?
Ella Piatt, I believe it has improved more than ever. It’s true. I’ve been in situations where some guys believe I can’t do this stuff alone. I need my partner to be there. I simply say that I am my own person and don’t need to be defined by anyone. However, this is not the case for everyone. The world is changing rapidly and it is more widely recognized. We have a young captain that has exceeded all expectations and I think she is an amazing captain. It’s certainly moving in the right direction. It’s certainly opened up more opportunities to women.
Chloe Pleznac: Thank you so much. It is truly appreciated. Also, congratulations. It sounds like this was well-deserved. Thank you again for all your community volunteer work. That’s fantastic.
Ella Piatt: Thank you so much.
