A Young Spark

Running into burning buildings, fighting fires and responding to life-threatening medical calls isn’t for the faint of heart. But deciding you want to do all of this before you graduate high school is something few students would consider. For Lydia Kendziorski, 17, the decision was second nature.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Dave, and sister, Anna, Lydia is the third Kendziorski to join the volunteer fire department. Lydia admits she never saw it as carrying on a family legacy but rather as a unique experience.

Joining the Beaver Township Fire Department has provided Lydia with a full-circle moment. She now works in the station where she once played hide and seek as a kid and receives pointers from firefighters who remember her days in elementary school.

At the age of 17, Lydia technically can’t go hands-on when a call comes in until she turns 18, but eagerness is just one way to describe her enthusiasm to start the job.

Lydia passed Fire Fighter I and II certifications while finishing her senior year at Bay City Western High School, where she led her soccer team as captain and held a part-time job. She’s also in the process of starting her EMT certification.

“I see myself being a firefighter in the long run. Being out in the community is definitely something that’s rewarding knowing that you’re helping people,” Lydia said.

Photos and story by Ayrton Breckenridge

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