KAGAWONG—Hailey Ferguson wants to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather Jim Ferguson in a career as a firefighter and she took a major step in that process by taking part in Greater Sudbury Fire Services’ first Camp Molly in Azilda—a four-day camp with 34 other young women between the ages of 13 and 17.
“My grandfather Jim Ferguson was a fire chief (in Billings Township),” said Hailey, of Kagawong. “I have been interested in being a firefighter for the past couple of years. Eventually I want to move to a city to become a full-time firefighter.”
Camp Molly is run in various communities across Ontario. The program was inspired by Molly Williams, an American slave who fought to become the first female firefighter in 1818. Ms. Williams is viewed as a trailblazer who opened doors for women to get into the profession. Her story is shared via the children’s book ‘Molly, By Golly!’
Camp Molly introduces young women into firefighting. Greater Sudbury Fire Services Deputy Chief Jesse Oshell told CTV News, “It’s an opportunity for young women in the fire service to experience what its like to be in the fire service. They will perform the rules and duties of a firefighter and give them an opportunity they might not have had in the past.”
“We took part in three days of learning and on the fourth day we went through the relay, which they call ‘The Combat Challenge’ and graduated,” said Hailey. “I was a member of the Fox Trot team. We had four people and one of the co-captains (for the fire services) competed with us.”
In groups students participated in various tasks including auto extrication, forcible entry search and rescue and fire investigation.
Hailey pointed out she had been part of the Molly Camp, having been recommended for the program by her guidance counsellor at high school and applied for the program. “We had to write an essay on why we wanted to be involved in the program.”
Hailey, who is 16, loved Camp Molly. She said, “the most surprising thing to me about the camp is the number of girls that were in attendance. A lot of my friends and teachers have told me that I shouldn’t try to pursue a career in firefighting. It was great to see so many other young women in the program with me, and that have the same goals I have. There were girls there from Sault Ste. Marie, Barrie, Sudbury and other areas. It was an amazing camp.”
“Yes, I am planning to take part in the program again next year, and I am applying to be one of the co-captains in the program next year,” said Hailey.
August 20 marked ‘Graduation Day’ for the camp’s participants. “(Though) they never stopped competing,” said staff on the City of Greater Sudbury’s social media accounts. “Thank you to those who made this day possible.”
