Lima firefighter and paramedic Emily Bowsher was honored by the Lima Noon Sertoma Club Thursday as its 51st Firefighter of the Year.
Craig Kelly | The Lima News
LIMA — It is an honor that goes back a half-century, and on Thursday, Lima firefighter Emily Bowsher had her name added to the list of those named the Lima Noon Sertoma Club’s Firefighter of the Year.
Bowsher is the 51st firefighter to receive this award, which was given during the club’s meeting at Old Barn Restaurant and Grill. She has been with the department for six and a half years as a firefighter and paramedic, and while she has served well in that capacity, it was her desire to help better the community, seen in such efforts as spearheading a child safety seat program in Lima, that helped her stand out, according to Lima Fire Chief Andy Heffner.
“I get this on at least a weekly basis,” Heffner said. “‘Hey, can we do something better? Can we do something that helps the community?’”
Bowsher has worked to secure car seats for Lima families in need, as well as working with the American Red Cross to help get smoke detectors in homes that have none. For her, these are projects for which she cares a great deal.
“This year, I got to put into action a program for something I am passionate about, which is children’s safety,” she said. “Since April, our new car seat program has resulted in 41 car seats checked and parents educated on safe use and installation, and an additional 60 car seats given to kids in need.”
Bowsher expressed gratitude to the department for its willingness to be flexible and allow these projects to get off the ground
“I see a department that is growing, that is invested in training, holds space for creativity and is willing to risk trying something new to bring the best to the community,” she said.
Reach Craig Kelly at 567-242-0391 or on Twitter @cmkelly419.
