GOODRIDGE – For two decades, Petra Aylesworth has been a volunteer firefighter with the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) at Station 2 Goodridge.
Aylesworth was first encouraged to join the fire service by her husband who also volunteers as a firefighter.
Sitting along the MD of Bonnyville’s west side, near Lac La Biche County and the County of St. Paul border, the small farming community of Goodridge is a substantial distance away from surrounding emergency and healthcare facilities.
“Here the old saying ‘neighbours helping neighbours’ is still very much applied,” writes Aylesworth. “I was impressed by this group of volunteers, men and women, farming couples, trying to make a difference in emergency situations – considering how far away EMS services or other neighbouring fire departments are to our area.”
The 20-year volunteer firefighter says it was the collection of such a great group of individuals that inspired her to join.
When responding to emergency situations, Aylesworth’s favourite part is being able to provide help to those who need it.
Whether it is consoling somebody in distress, attending a vehicle collision, or aiding a patient who may need medical help until an ambulance arrives, there are many reasons she continues to volunteer with the BRFA.
“The beauty of our specific group is that we all complement each other with different capabilities – yet all are respected equally, which is important to me,” Aylesworth writes, adding that in whatever capacity she is needed, she will continue working alongside her fellow firefighters as part of the team.
While volunteering in a predominately male field, Aylesworth admits that she is known for being a strong supporter of women’s capabilities.
“Women have come a long way in society in general, breaking barriers into the world of male dominated fields - this industry being no different,” she notes.
“To me, recognizing women means showing our respect for their achievements, no more or less than their male peers.”
And that means “telling little girls to dream big for their future. Maybe about being a firefighter, as a career or a volunteer – serving their community. It is possible.”
