Midway hires first female career firefighter
Deirdre “Dee Dee” Clark figured out a few years ago that if she wanted to see more of her volunteer firefighter husband, she might as well join the department and train to put out fires.
That decision started a new career path for the 31-year-old from Raccoon Township, Beaver County, who was hired in August as the first female career firefighter in Midway. The Midway Volunteer Fire Department also responds to calls in neighboring Robinson Township.
“My husband was spending a lot of time at the fire department,” Clark said of her husband, Christopher Clark, who is a volunteer firefighter with Raccoon. “I realized my best chance to see him was to join the fire department. After that, I was bit by the fire bug.”
A friend knew she wanted to pursue a career as a firefighter/emergency medical technician and told her about the opening in Midway.
“I figured I’d put in an application and see what happened,” Clark said. “The chief offered me the job.”
Midway fire Chief Doug Baird said the department has had a paid, career firefighter for about seven years. Baird said the department received about 12 applications for the position.
“We like her training and her leadership,” he said. “She is a take-charge type of person who knows what needs to be done without being told.”
Baird said there are very few volunteer firefighters available during the day, which is why the decision was made several years ago to have the paid firefighter position.
“She’ll answer any calls while she is working the daylight shift, Monday through Friday,” Baird said. “Fire, medical and rescue calls will be her top priority.”
The department receives about 15 calls a week, of which the majority are medical calls, accidents and fire alarms, Baird said. The department covers 37 square miles, protecting about 3,500 residents in Midway and Robinson Township.
Clark has certification in the state’s Firefighter 1 and 2 programs. Clark also has certification in interior rescues and vehicle rescues. Recently, Clark went to the Pennsylvania Fire Academy in Lewisburg, where she attended the Structure 2 Commercial fire class.
Before she was hired, Clark worked for a medical rescue service and also worked in a payroll job.
Clark said she has enjoyed her first few months on the job.
“I like to keep busy. I don’t like desk jobs,” she said. “I’ve been trying to get out and meet people.”
Clark spent three years with her husband while he was on active duty with the U.S. Army in Hohenfels, in the Bavarian section of Germany. While there, she taught elementary school. The couple have a son, Milo, who is in kindergarten.