{Week One of Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week One}

“Only as happy as you let yourself be”

You may know this woman, whether she is family or a friend, a co-worker, someone who may have saved your life, or helped your child at school, she is beyond amazing! She wears many hats, from the wife and mother, to a firefighter or EMT, she is a rock star. I am amazed that she can juggle all these things and do them all very well. We all know we have our off days and that is true of this fine lady, but it doesn’t take her down. She gets back up and does it even better the next time. My first week challenge is with Sherry Evans, A bad a** (sorry about the language)! 

Who happens to be a volunteer firefighter and EMT for our fine community the past five and half years. Our station covers over 3200 square miles of city and county. I asked her what made her want to go into this profession and she said “I kind of fell into it. There was a need in our community, so my husband and I decided to try it. That’s when I fell in Love with it and my husband and I have been here ever since.” Sherry has taken the fire 1 and fire 2 state tests, and also is an instructor and teaches around our state. One of the only women in Douglas to do so, isn’t that awesome?  She is now going to school to further her education in fire science and has 4 more classes to go to get her degree. She has logged more than 600 training hours, which by the way are unpaid. Like any profession education is very important, and with the new methods and tools used in today’s jobs it is a must. Sherry says “I want to be prepared for everything. I want to be educated and do the best I can for every call that comes in.”

Being fit also comes into play when you are a first responder, and Sherry is one of the fittest women I know. She is consistently in the gym at the station to get that work out in. “Line of duty heart deaths are a huge reason I keep myself fit. I want to be active, fit, and be able to do the job big or small. One way to insure I can is the hard work it takes to be fit.” Sherry says.  

I asked her if she has ever had an issue with being a woman in this profession and she said “some, not many. I think your going to have it anywhere you go man or women. But it just pushes me to be even better and to prove them wrong.” I can’t even image. I come from a family of firemen and back then it wasn’t known to have any women in the field. Now, now it is more common and I think if you can do the job as well as anyone else, why shouldn’t you go for it. I would love to see this amazing woman at work and in action. She is a true inspiration!!!!

Getting to know Sherry…….

Who is your inspiration….My older sister! She is one of the selfless people you will ever meet. She is the mother of two boys that have muscular dystrophy. One of which has passed and the other son is fighting the battle every day. She still has a smile on her face, a true love for The Lord, and keeps going everyday with no complaints.

What is your biggest challenge either here at work, at school, or in life in general….Managing it all!

What is your biggest fear….Failure

What is her greatest accomplishment….Her 4 children! They are amazing, good kids.

What is something on your bucket list….Doing a body building/figure competition.

What is your favorite quote...."Only as happy as you let yourself be."

One word describe “Sherry” and why she inspires you…..

“Extraordinary - she can work with young children, save lives, be a mom, fight fire, be a beast (have you seen her workout), and be kind and gentle!  She has made a difference in so many lives and I am honored to call her a friend!”-Tanya Seeds

"Strong! She is a beast! I love Sherry she is an amazing firefighter and EMS worker!! She really is an inspiration....STRONG is my word for sure!!"

-Rebecca Moser

"Awesome" and "Saves people" -The Renstrom Twins :)

"Driven" -Jay Nidiffer

"Determined, she never gives up 100% all the way" -Missie McLagan

"Tenacious. She is an overcomer. She has never backed down from a challenge in life. She is very intelligent, cares greatly about her impact on the world, and lives in such a way to show that the world is a better place because of her contributions! There is nothing she won't try, and when she takes on a task, she will do so with passion and excellence...." -Becky Soske

"Super!  She's an inspiration to all women.  There are few women on the Fire Dept. anyways and truly she's the only one I would trust to pull me from a burning building. She gives her all in everything she does.  She manages family, work and her hobbies (firefighting and working out) better than anyone I know.  She's an amazing friend.  I'm a person of few words when it comes to sharing my life I’ve always felt I can trust and confide in Sherry.  She's real and authentic.  One of a kind!  I absolutely adore her." -Tiffany Tschida

Thank you to this fine woman for all she does for our community!

Thank you for letting me questions you, follow you around your work place, and capture your true love for your job. You are my inspiration!