A Father And Daughter Are Now Firefighters At The Same Station

January 16, 2026

A Pennsylvania fire station has a special new pairing on its roster — a father and daughter answering emergency calls side by side.

Photo by Mona Steinhauer for TownLively.com

Fourteen-year-old Briella Neidermyer has officially joined Garden Spot Fire Rescue as its newest junior firefighter, making her the youngest female currently serving at the station. Even more meaningful? She’s following in the footsteps of her dad, Kirk, a volunteer firefighter with 25 years of experience.

According to the original report, Kirk never expected his daughter would want to join the fire service. But once she did, he quickly saw how seriously she took the role.

“She listens, she’s attentive, asks questions, and I’m proud of her,” he shared.

“Any time she can go to train and learn, she jumps on it. She's into it. I hope she stays that way, and I think she will.”

Briella says her interest grew from watching her dad rush out the door for emergencies and spending time around family friends who were also part of the department.

“I've always watched him run out of the house and put on that blue light,” she said.  “I'm very, very proud of him because when he shows up, he shows out and does stuff on the scene.”

As a junior firefighter, she helps wherever she’s allowed — pulling hoses, assisting with hydrant hookups, and grabbing equipment crews need on scene.

“I want people to see me as confident and independent," she told TownLively, "because when I show up, I do my best.”

Briella later shared a heartfelt message on Facebook about what being part of the department means to her:

“I’m so blessed to be running at GSFR. I’ve created bonds with the other juniors and everyone else. I am so grateful for everyone at GSFR, from teaching me all i need to learn, to being my second home. I’m so excited for what the future has in store for me! thank you everyone at GSFR and mostly… thank you mom and dad!”

Watch the video below: