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Crime & Safety

The Hero Next Door: Jamie Thomas

Meet Jamie Thomas, a firefighter and relief recording secretary for Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1 and this week's 'Hero Next Door' on Nazareth Patch.

Jamie Thomas, 25, is an accomplished member of -- she is not only a firefighter but also an emergency medical technician (EMT) and the relief recording secretary for Nazareth's fire department.

When not volunteering with Vigilance Hose, Thomas works as an EMT dispatcher for Cetronia Dispatch.

What kind of training have you had so far?

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“I have interior and exterior Firefighter One, HazMat operations… I’m also training to be a fire marshal.”

What is your favorite thing about being a firefighter?

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“Helping the community. It’s more the fact that you’re not just helping one person in need, you’re helping many people.”

What made you decide to become a firefighter?

“As a little kid, I lived in Virginia, and on one of our field trips we visited a fire station, and I said, ‘I want to do this.’”

How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?

“They worry. There’s always worry that something might happen.”

What would you tell someone interested in joining Vigilance Hose?

“If they’re willing to put in the hard work, it’s an experience that can be very positive.” 

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