EUFAULA, Okla. — Larissa Upton is the first female firefighter to join the Eufaula Fire Department, and she is only 19.
Upton comes from a line of firefighters. Currently, her father, Jamie Upton, is a volunteer firefighter with EFD, and both her grandfathers were also members of the fire department.
Her father is the reason she officially joined after he asked her last October if she wanted to sign up. After giving the idea some serious thought, Upton said she went for it and hasn't looked back.
Since she joined the department in January, Upton said her most memorable call was her first official one.
“It was just a simple grass fire,” she said. “But, I will never forget it.”
Although there is pressure to live up to her expectations, Upton said the support from the other 20 volunteer firefighters in her department has been incredible.
When asked what's the best part about being a firefighter, Upton said, “The joy, I think and adrenaline that comes from helping others."
Upton said she is currently studying to become a registered nurse.
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