When Kay joined the department in 2002 she didn't actually think she'd be working fire calls. She joined to make use of her EMT and help the community that way. Eventually, though, she wound up on her first fire, and that changed her mind. Now she'll go on any call she can.

There is some family history around fire and medical careers for Kay - her father was a doctor and one grandfather was a firefighter - so she comes by these interests naturally.

In addition to all of that, Kay is president of our department. It's an official title that mostly means she tries to keep the rest of us in line at meetings; a thankless and difficult task. But her smiling personality and ready wit make her good at the job.

When she's not at work - with us or at her deli - she travels extensively, and is an avid poker player. But she's also completely at home snuggled up on the couch, reading a good book.

When you meet Kay, you're getting to know someone special.