ROGERSVILLE, Ala. — There are some first responders who go above and beyond to save lives as volunteers. However, for one volunteer firefighter, it's in the family tradition to serve.
Our WZDX News reporter says her name is Kaitlyn Nagle from the Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department, and she is this month's Valley's First Responder!
"It runs in my blood. My father has been a firefighter for almost thirty years volunteering," says Nagle.
Following in her father's footsteps, Jeff Hendrix, was also a Valley's First Responder of the month five years ago. It'll be nine years Nagle would be volunteering.
"It was very scary at first. I saw my dad running in and out of burning houses, and then I started and going to medical calls -full arrest, gunshot wounds. Things like that. It was scary at first but my dad loved it and now I love it," says Nagle.
She works full-time as a client-care coordinator for the elderly in senior homes. Nagle also has a heart for children.
"Really with children, I have a really strong suit with children. I have a way with them. I always loved children. My brother is mildly autistic and he's a volunteer firefighter as well. This will be his first year," says Nagle.
"Kaitlyn is really good with our patients, especially our children that we have. It's really good for somebody that's young like her that can meet with these children. There may have been experiencing a house fire, or maybe sick, or have a family member sick or they may have been sick," says Rogersville Volunteer Fire Dept. First Assistant Chief, Morris Lentz.
Nagle also helps raise thousands of dollars for the departments monthly fish fry. Her husband says her commitment is rare.
"It's hard to find that because being able to be there for someone during their time of need, and being there to shine a light during their worst day," says Rogersville Volunteer Fire Dept. Firefighter & EMT, Patrick Nagle.
"You have those days where you'll get a full arrest call and it's a small child or a drowning and a small child, but then you save that life, and then you have that mother come up and say 'thank you for saving my baby's life'. It's very rewarding," added Nagle.