Manahawkin Native Cassandra McDonnell encourages other women – and men – to challenge themselves and serve their community by volunteering.
The smoky stairway was pitch black and the hose she lugged up was heavy, but Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter Cassandra McDonnell pushed herself toward the fire.
“I knew I had it in me to just keep dragging that hose and get the job done,” McDonnell said of that training day in the Ocean County Fire School’s burn building. “As I put the fire out, I knew that I’m supposed to be doing this.”
McDonnell, 25, loves challenging herself and lives to help others. In her three months as a Ship Bottom volunteer, she’s realized the fire company offers plenty of opportunities for both.
“I love how it allows me to make a difference in my community, to participate in something that betters the community,” she said. “I want to learn as much as I can about firefighting, to do more training with the other volunteers to learn as much as I can from them.” The more experienced volunteers have welcomed her and other newer firefighters, McDonnell said. “They have so much knowledge, and they enjoy sharing it.”
McDonnell grew up in Manahawkin. She, her brother and her sister –they’re triplets – were raised by mom, Jane, a nurse, and dad, Frank, a retired career firefighter. As a kid, she spent time at the firehouse. Watching what her dad gave and got from his career inspired her, she said.
After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kean University. McDonnell is a paraprofessional at Bancroft, where she assists children who have disabilities, and also serves in the Army National Guard.
In May, she hopes to earn her water rescue certification, which will allow her to work alongside other Ship Bottom volunteers when someone needs help on the water. “That’s the next task for me, the next chance to become better and grow,” she said.
In addition to the opportunities to learn and serve her community, McDonnell loves the camaraderie of the Ship Bottom firehouse. “It’s just like having a second family,” she said. “You’re part of something that’s bigger than you, and that’s really cool.”
What the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company family needs is more members, McDonnell and Ship Bottom Fire Chief Todd MacLennan agree. “We need men and women who live or spend summers on the island to join now,” MacLennan said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced firefighter or if you’ve never set foot in a firehouse before. All you need is the interest in learning and the desire to serve your community. We’ll show you all you need to know.”
McDonnell suspects other local women are meant to fight fires. Some may have even thought about volunteering, but self-doubt has made them hesitate. “To them I say: you can do anything you put your mind to,” McDonnell said. “Women can do hard things, too, and signing up will be the best decision you have ever made.”
Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company needs men and women who live or spend summer on the island to volunteer now! No experience is necessary. Training and gear are free. Help is needed in both emergency and administrative roles. Whatever your time and talents, they are needed at the firehouse! To sign up or learn more:shipbottomfirefighters.org