First female fire cadet aims to reach goal

By Taiylor Jordan
The TC News reporter

Imagine running into a burning building with smoke and flames engulfing you and your life is in danger, but you risk it to save lives. If you pictured a firefighter you are absolutely correct.
Texarkana College’s first female fire cadet, Taylor Parks, has always wanted to be a firefighter.
“I wanted to be a firefighter because I wanted to help the community. I want to be that person someone calls a hero,” she said. She recalled watching her uncle’s house burn, yet she admired the firefighters who battled the house flames.
Obviously, a firefighter’s job isn’t easy. Training to be a firefighter takes skill, determination, and sacrifice.
Taylor stated that on a typical day at the Fire Academy her instructors teach things such as the different parts of fire houses, scene operations, etc.
In addition, the cadets also partake in hands-on training techniques.
“The instructors are well dedicated to training us,” she said.
According to Harry Simms, Fire Academy Coordinator, the ultimate goal of the Fire Academy is “to train people to be firefighters.”
The dynamic between her and the other cadets are normal just as if she was one of the boys.
Although she is a female, she is just as capable of performing the same tasks, like holding a 40 ft. ladder.
“I’m the smallest, but that doesn’t mean I’m the weakest,” Parks said.
After finishing the academy, she plans to go to college in Magnolia, Arkansas and eventually work here at the Texarkana, Texas Fire Department.