Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department would like to officially congratulate Diamond Chick. On March 26th, 2021 Diamond became a Nationally Registered EMT. This is a huge accomplishment and includes countless hours of dedication for several months to ensure success. Below she was asked about her insight on several topics.

Why did you become a volunteer and join HVFD: I became a volunteer in Stafford County in March of 2019 because I wanted to help my community in a new way. Emergency Medical Services and Fire Services can be so important nowadays amd volunteers really help drive Stafford County. Joining Hartwood was somewhere I could see new and familiar faces while gaining new knowledge with very experienced members that are apart if fire and/or ems.

What were your biggest accomplishments during and coming out of emt class? The biggest accomplishments during my EMT class was finishing the class with new insight as to what people do in the back of an ambulance. The longest stretch was passing my NREMT about a year later from coming out of the class. It was a very big challenge since the class wasn't fresh in my mind. But nonetheless I managed to keep trying and trying until I was able to do it.

What are your current goals? My current goals as of now for Stafford County Fire and Rescue is to finish the Volunteer Firefighting Academy. Then hopefully afterward work on my packets to become a released EMT and Firefighter in the county. Hopefully as COVID improves, I really would like to jump into community outreach and hopefully educate those in fire prevention.

What advice would you give new volunteers or those who are interested in volunteering within fire and rescue? If you are interested in volunteering or are even thinking about it, I would say go for it and visit your local fire or rescue station. You wont know if you like something until you do it. I thought that volunteering was going to be something temporary to do while I was in school. Now I don't want to stop, there so much opportunity for those of all learning levels and those who have a tight schedules. I think Stafford County and Hartwood is a place for everyone, from no experience to a lot of experience it can be for everyone.