Interview With Stephanie Powers, Rescue Captain, Part 1: Living a Life Full of Service

Stephanie Powers has been familiar with serving others from a very young age. Her father served in the military, leading her to the easy decision of also serving our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. When asked where she’s from, though, that’s a little tougher to describe.

“My dad was in the military and then I joined the military, so I’ve moved around a lot and don’t have anywhere I call ‘home,’” she said. She then added, “Living here and being part of my community is the closest to home I’ve ever felt.”

Powers served in the Marine Corps for almost six years, deploying twice to Iraq. After she left the service, she moved to Virginia to pursue a career in public service with the federal government.

“I now have a master’s degree in public safety and security and just completed my paramedic certification last fall,” said Powers.

Powers is also a volunteer EMT with Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department and is currently working on her paramedic internship.

“When I graduated high school, I never dreamed I would have a bachelor’s degree, let alone a master’s degree or that becoming a paramedic would be a possibility,” she said. “I was able to accomplish all of this with the GI Bill and encouragement from the people around me.”

Many of her supporters are fellow OWL volunteers, a team of people she describes like family.

“The comraderies and traditions run deep in my department; it reminds me a lot of the military, which was part of the appeal,” said Powers. “It is also a family — there is a bond there, that even when we disagree, we always have each other’s backs and care about the mission at hand.”

She says this carries over to other departments, as well.

“We might have a sibling-like rivalry, but when the call for help comes, we all work together to get the job done.”

In fact, this camaraderie is one reason Powers joined Prince William County Fire and Rescue System to begin with.

“I joined to be a part of a community,” she said. “Growing up as a military brat, I never felt connected to where I lived until I started volunteering.”

She’s always felt the call to help others and was looking for somewhere to belong, have a purpose and be needed.

Powers also shared her thoughts on the growth volunteers can experience and the many opportunities available. There are a variety of paths within the VFD for anyone looking to serve. She joined OWL in 2013 as an EMT and became lead EMT in 2014. The following year she rose to Rescue Lieutenant and was elected Rescue Captain this year. She has worked at three stations within the OWL Fire Department throughout the years.

Are you ready to expand your education and learn something new? Come start your adventure in service. Contact us to learn more.

Are you looking for a change? Here in Prince William County, the volunteer departments provide fire and emergency medical services to the County’s citizens and visitors during weekday evenings, weekends and holidays. Prince William County’s volunteer fire and rescue departments are seeking motivated individuals who have the desire to make a difference and provide an important service to their community. Learn more now.