Braving the heat and breaking barriers – firefighter Melesia Martin
―first female driver of the fire truck
DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 8, 2019
Braving the heat of burning buildings and hearing cries of families on the verge of losing everything takes not only courage and being fearless but also a heroic will to save others. Before, that job was reserved for men, however, that is the everyday life of fire woman Melesia Martin who has been at the job for the last three years.
Martin is proof that women can perform tasks that were originally thought to be the sole domain of the men.
Martin said her inspiration for getting into that field of work came from her father who was a member of the Guyana Defence Force. “I chose to be a firefighter because of my dad, he always wanted me to be a firefighter since he was in the military field. So, after school and after changing a few jobs, he advised me that I should become a firefighter because he thought I would grow to love the profession and so far, so good” Martin stated.
This bold young woman has not regretted this decision as she has not only saved countless buildings from destruction but also broken barriers.
“My biggest accomplishment since I am here is being the first female driver within the service to drive the firetrucks and likewise the ambulance” Martin proudly said.
It is a known fact that anything that you do comes with challenges and for Martin, it is the same. She emotionally explained that her biggest challenge is “having to be brave and at the same time, have empathy for distraught callers or whenever you go on a fire scene for the victims of these disasters.”
This young vibrant firewoman has some words of encouragement for other young women who might be thinking about joining the profession. “… I would advise you to go for it! Do not let anyone deter you from your dreams because there is nothing to regret, it is a wonderful career.”
Melesia Martin is truly deserving to be celebrated this day set aside to honour women.
Isaiah Braithwaite.
Images: Jules Gibson.