Over 50 members of multiple emergency response organizations attended a Heavy Animal Rescue Team Training conducted at the Millersburg Fire Company #1 on March 14, 2019. Local fire company members from Millersburg, Elizabethville, Gratz, Pillow, Carsonville, Williamstown, and the Dauphin County Animal Response Team were in attendance. The Training was sponsored by Peifer’s Fire Protection and the Gratz Bank.
Dr. Temple and Dr. Ewald of the Sunbury Animal Hospital were on hand to present information on handling heavy animals, safety concerns for responders and animals, proper lifting techniques, and discussed concerns and questions from responders. After the classroom discussion attendees then were able to view handling equipment available on the Heavy Animal Rescue Team trailer. The equipment and trailer were sponsored by both Peifer’s Fire Protection and the Gratz Bank to meet a need for responders in the area. ... See MoreSee Less

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Millersburg Fire Company

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As we celebrate Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration of women’s contributions to society and history that has been officially celebrated since March of 1987, we don’t have to look far for local examples. Deep in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, lies the town of Millersburg. Home to 2,500 citizens and precisely zero red lights. Within this former, bustling industrial town is the emergency service provider for the citizens, Millersburg Fire Company No. 1. This fire company has had many officers in its rich history. That history has just gotten a little bit richer. Firefighter/EMT Ashton Snyder has had many roles and names in her 29 years: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, Social Member, Firefighter, EMT, and now, Captain. Recently she was voted to the position of Fire Captain; making her the companies very first female officer. Nationwide, only about 7 percent of firefighters are women, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, despite that figure rising to about 14 percent in police force and the military. Even traditionally male occupations like farming and construction management have higher percentages of women than firefighting; which makes her becoming an officer, that much more impressive. Her career in the fire service began in 2008 when she was urged by her now husband FF/Paramedic Colby [Snyder] to join as a Social member in order to help with public relations events. She quickly realized why so many that get into this line of work, fall in love with it. The exhilaration she felt when the tones dropped and siren sounded was unmatched. “As time went by, I began to see the bigger picture, a community that I wanted to protect,” said Snyder.
Once she bought in to being an Active Member, her training really took off. She earned her Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B), Firefighter 1, Special Vehicle Rescue Technician, and Hazardous Materials Specialist certifications among others. After completing all of that training, she began to realize that she had a chance to make history, and decided she was going to go for it. In doing so, she would need to acquire some Incident Command Courses. Captain Snyder will be the first to tell you, “these classes have certainly helped me ascend my way up the ranks, and are the cornerstone in the foundation which has built my confidence to become a better leader.” Leading, is not something that is new for her. At the age of 17 she earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award. She earned this award by organizing a cheerleading camp over a two year period. Admission for this camp was the low price of a stuffed animal or blanket donation. These donated items were then distributed to local fire and EMS departments, as well as Life Line in Millersburg. The reason behind this was that she “wanted to assist the companies in comforting children in a moment that most would not think about. I can only hope I made at least one child smile!”
Being someone who grows up in a small town and goes on to achieve big things doesn’t happen by accident. Each person has a role model growing up, whether it be a parent, coach, teacher, or otherwise. For Snyder it was her Girl Scout troop leader, Cathy Artz. Cathy, a mother of 2, was so inspiring, in fact, that she led a group of girls into believing they all “belonged” to her. “Between the countless community service hours, and the nights of teaching basic life skills, to instilling family values, I really don’t know that I’d be where I am today without her support and guidance all those years ago.” Its no coincidence then, that Ashton has now become that figure to so many in the community. When speaking to girls within the Millersburg community, she stresses that, “The only person who can hold you back, is you! Whatever your goals are, stay true to yourself and reach for the stars!”
Although she is the first female Officer at her firehouse, there are also a few others in the area. Just 10 miles away in Elizabethville is Lieutenant Tammy Keisling, and further up State Route 209 in Williamstown is 2LT Beth Heim. These three women are extraordinary examples for young women throughout the Lykens Valley. While all three have had that moment where they realize, being a woman in a man’s game isn’t only possible, it’s happening Snyder recalls her first “I got this moment” as a time when she was tasked to raise a 24’ extension ladder by herself. “It may sound like a small task, but managing to balance and raise that thing was a huge stepping stone for me. I turned around and the guys were just standing there in amazement like, ‘she really just did that’.” It was seeing their reactions that really made her a believer in herself. “It became evident to me at that point that there was a job to be done, and just because I’m a female didn’t mean I couldn’t do it.”
There are many women who stand out in our communities. They are Firefighters, Police Officers, Military Members, Girl Scout leaders, Coaches and the list goes on and on. Empowerment is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give to young females in our community. Ashton Snyder is just one example of this. With her leadership, selfless service, and personal courage, girls of Millersburg have a woman they can look up to and aspire to be like.

Written by: Tj Acker ... See MoreSee Less

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I see chief in your future

Amazing! Millersburg is so lucky to have you. Great job on the article TJ.

That’s so inspiring. Congrats 🍾🎉 is

Congrats Captain!!

Congratulations Ashton!!!

Thank you Ashton for your service. Inspiring article.

Great pic Ashton. Congratulations on all your success.

Wow! Thank you Ashton, for your service to our community! And thanks to Tj for writing this post. It was enlightening.

Congratulations Ashton. Our town is blessed to have such a hard working motivated individual who strives to help the community. Your work is appreciated. And the person who wrote this article did a fabulous job of honoring you...

And to think this from a young girl who everybody thought couldn’t be left alone in a kitchen for fear of what she’d hurt. 🤣 Impressive!! Love it!!

And who says there is nothing good on facebook. Congratulations on your accomplishments Mrs. Snyder and thank you for serving our community. Great article TJ.

So proud of you Peanut...

Congratulations and thank you setting an example for others to follow!

Congratulations Ashton! Great article. As a grandmother of 4 young girls I appreciate your service & commitment. Great role model for our town.

Well written TJ. Congratulations Ashton!

Congrats!!! How wonderful, great article!

Way to go Ashton! Congratulations!🙌

Way to go Ashton! So proud of you. Congratulations and keep up the awesome work.

Wow!!!!! So impressed! You keep going. Thank you for your service!❤️

Very nice sweetie. So proud of you and so proud to be your mom. Keep putting up those ladders, I love you!😘

Congratulations Ashton! I heard TJs voice while reading this, I got to the end and saw he wrote it. Very inspiring from all ends, keep up the good work!

Thank you for all you do and congratulations on the well earned recognition!

Congratulations! What a wonderful story!

She is A Smart Women t o B e in All Th is C L A S S E S I t Take s Per son To Do All this Stuff

Congrats Ashton u are an amazing women keep reaching for the stars

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Fire Company Training-HazMat Operations Refresher-Day 2 (HMORJB)

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