Sierra Griffith said she hadn’t meant to be a first-anything — “That wasn’t my intention.”

As she started her first shift as a career firefighter on March 6 after about five years volunteering with the department, that’s exactly what she became — as both a Native American of the Yakama Nation and a woman, she became a rarity in the fire service, which are historically predominantly white men.

“We make up 5% of the employed fire service, as females,” Griffith said in an interview. “That’s such a low number.”

A Montesano resident for a few years, Griffith said she’d always been drawn to medical service, serving as a caregiver before. In 2018, she joined the department as a volunteer.

“This is a nice community. I need to be out doing something,” Griffith said. “I decided I really liked it.”

Hungry for knowledge, Griffith said she aggressively pursued opportunities for further training in the service.

“I started getting certification after certification that the department put me through,” Griffith said.

A series of life events pushed Griffith to strike hard for a career position with the department. While going career had always been the game plan, it helped to push her to drive for it.

“It was a blessing in disguise. It threw that fire back underneath me that I had so much when I was younger,” Griffith said. “That was always the plan. There was no real rush.”

Griffith said she worked hard testing out for the position — and it paid off, scoring highest among the nine candidates. Griffith, along with Lucas Salstrom, was hired by the department.

“I tested out for that,” Griffith said. “I worked super hard to get there.“

Griffith said she’s had to earn her spot with the department by proving she could do the job.

“I feel like you just have to prove yourself that much more,” Griffith said. “You have to show you’re just as strong as them, just as stubborn as them. That you’re just as brave as them. That you’re not hindered by any inability.”

Square your shoulders and push forward through adversity, Griffith said to other women, to other people from minorities not typically represented in the fire service who might be thinking about it.

“I think just keep grinding, keep working your hardest at whatever your desires and passions are,” Griffith said. “Just pushing through and overcoming the obstacles you’re faced with — it may seem like a dead road, but there’s always a way past it.”

Medically minded

Griffith said her background and interest in the medical field led her to the fire service. It shows, said Montesano Fire Chief David Busz.

“Her patient care and her patient advocacy is probably the brightest spot of what she immediately brought,” Busz said in an interview. “That’s stuff you can’t train. She does a fantastic job of patient care.”

In terms of patient advocacy, Busz said, Griffith helps to guide patients toward what they need to do for further care to help get what they need: what questions to ask, what services to seek.

“She has a different approach than most folks,” Busz said. “She has a real connection with patients.”

Griffith currently has her eye on the next step for her, pursuing a paramedic certification in the next few years, typically the highest level of frontline care available.

“I hate stagnation. It internally bugs me,” Griffith said. “I love to be learning all the time. Eventually, I know it’s going to take time, but I want to be a captain. I want leadership. I want to move up.”

Griffith said the department also gives her a chance to teach, to help others improve their skills.

“I love teaching people. I help with the cadet class. That’s fun for me,” Griffith said. “If you’re interested in learning about this I’ll teach you all about it.”

Her unique background and perspective are assets to the department, Busz said.

“She’s bringing other skills and other experiences and that’s what makes the whole fire department team good — everyone has a part of a solution,” Busz said. “There is no 911 for 911. That’s what’s nice about having people with different background on scene. We can solve most problems.”

Griffith took the opportunity to praise and thank her children for their support.

“My children and I have a wonderful relationship,” Griffith said. “I’m proud of how strong they’ve been and patient and supportive.”

There’s a world of opportunity in the fire service, Griffith said.

“I didn’t even think about how much opportunity is in the fire service and how much they do for you,” Griffith said. “Just go out and try it out. They’ll pay for your certifications.”

Busz took the opportunity to also recognize Salstrom, hired alongside Griffith, for his enthusiasm as he joins the department.

“He is wise beyond his years. He can read the situation and move toward the right outcome,” Busz said. “That’s remarkable for someone so young.”

For Griffith, she said she’ll keep improving her skills on the fire side of the house, which she laughs as she acknowledges was weaker compared to the medical side. There’s always more to learn, Griffith said, and she’s glad to be able to help out.

“I love when it’s busy. I love going out and seeing people, going out and helping people,” Griffith said. “Especially when you see a really crappy day on their end and you made it a positive day.”

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.