Sergeant Emily Thompson aims to prevent fires in Athens-Clarke County

Sergeant Emily Thompson sits in Athens-Clarke County Fire Department Station #2 amongst toy fire trucks and coloring books, but she can also be found around the community educating others about fire safety. Her usual attire consists of the fire station uniform or a polo provided by the fire department.

 

Thompson is a firefighter who also works in and around Athens-Clarke County as a community educator. The Athens-Clarke County Community Risk Reduction Educator travels around the community to educate others about effective ways to prevent fire disasters.

 

Once inspired by a former boyfriend who volunteered at the fire station, Thompson began volunteering there as well. The experience would later begin her career as a firefighter.

 

After many years as a firefighter, Thompson decided it was time for a career change. She became a community educator and still works with the fire station in this role. 

 

There have been 469 total fires in the fiscal year of 2022 according to the Athens-Clarke County Fire & Emergency Services Review.

 

Thompson, and others working in fire safety, value preventative measures over reactive responses to fires.

 

“I’ve seen more and more… proactive approaches to the fire department than just reactive and that’s huge,” Thompson said. “Every day we prevent a fire or prevent an accident is another day all of our firefighters go home.”

 

Thompson’s new office includes photos of her fiance and family all throughout. Her family as well as empowering women are at the top of her long list of things that are important to her. The walls and desks are covered with inspirational quotes that surround topics of strong women. She proves to be a family-oriented person and her job exemplifies her passion for the importance of family and keeping them safe.

 

“This is my dream job,” said Thompson. “Well I’ve been a firefighter for eighteen years before I ever got this opportunity.” She then goes on to say, “but I also made up my mind I would have the opportunity.”

 

Thompson regularly travels to schools where she brings her fire safety equipment. She uses her fire safety house in an effort to make learning about safety enjoyable for the kids by guiding them through an interactive fire drill. 

 

Part of her lesson is teaching the children to form a plan with their families in the case of their house catching on fire. She explained with a bright smile on her face that she recently experienced a time when she felt extreme validation and appreciation for what she does. 

 

Thompson recalled a conversation her mother had with a community member, “[My kid] sat me and her dad down at the table and had the plan and made us go over it and then made us all practice.”

 

Thompson explains that her job is "super rewarding," and that is one of the reasons she loves it so much. It’s in moments like these where she feels like what she does means more than what’s on the surface.

 

Thompson, as well as others at the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department, work with other organizations to partner in combating fires. One of those organizations is Safe Kids.

 

“We’re all having that same focus, so it’s best if I, you know, work with the fire department and we can come out here together and just make an impact,” said April Dorsett, Safe Kids coordinator.

 

Thompson believes she possesses many qualities that are important for this role. One of these traits is her maternal instincts and another is her perseverance. 

 

“I think perseverance and having empathy for people and being able to work hard and not have to have the instant gratification,” said Thompson.