‘It’s an honor’; Morganton hires first female firefighter since 2017, and she’s only 19 years old
MORGANTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Morganton Public Safety announced it has hired its first full-time female firefighter since 2017… she’s only 19 years old.
Heaven Henning is originally from Maryland but moved to North Carolina during high school. She enrolled in Patton High School in Morganton and got involved in the Fire Academy.
Henning found her passion for firefighting when she became a volunteer firefighter at the Triple Community Fire Department.
“For me, it has always been the service aspect that I enjoy. I want to help people in any way that I can,” she said.
Morganton officials say Henning is looking forward to learning as much as she can from other firefighters. She knows it’s a male-dominated career, but likes interacting with firefighters who encourage her.
“It is a little intimidating just because everyone is watching you, but I think it is also very exciting because they chose me. It is an honor,” Henning said.
Fire Division Chief Israel Gibson says he’s “never seen someone so excited and passionate as Firefighter Henning. She always has a positive mindset and is eager to learn and serve others.”
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Henning wants to inspire and encourage other young girls interested in firefighting to follow their calling. She says everyone starts somewhere and there’s nothing wrong with making mistakes along the way.
“If it is what you really want to do, then nothing can stop you,” Henning said. “There are going to be people who think you can’t do it or that you aren’t strong enough. You can prove them wrong as long as you work hard.”
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