By Chad Koenen

Publisher

For what most believe is the first time in the organization’s history, a female has joined the Henning Fire Department.  ¶  Sarah Booker joined the local fire department this fall when an opening on the volunteer squad was filled. While she recognized that being the first female member of the fire department may be noteworthy, Booker said she simply wants to make an impact in the community she calls home. That includes a number of various organizations and activities she is a part of in Henning.  ¶  “I help out where I can and where I can use what I can offer,” said Booker of the different groups she is a part of in town. “We just all work together and make it work.”

One organization she was active in already was the Henning Fire Department as she was a staple at various fundraisers and activities over the years. In fact, her knowledge of the fire department and its various intricacies makes her an experienced volunteer, even before officially fighting her first fire.

“I think it is probably a little different for me than most other applicants as I was pretty involved in the fire department before,” said Booker, who added that being on the fire department will allow her to continue to be involved with EMS. 

In addition to her own personal experiences with emergency calls and activities, Booker’s dad was a fire fighter in Clarissa, Minn., for 30 years. 

Henning Police and Fire Chief Mike Helle said having Booker on the fire department will not only provide a new perspective as a female, but it will also give the department some added experience when it comes to EMS training due to her years on the local ambulance service.