GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Triad firefighter is standing out in what's traditionally a male-dominated field.
She's saving lives and lighting the way for future generations.
Captain Wendy Cheek will retire in January after 30 years with the Greensboro Fire Department.
While many things have changed since her start in 1995, her hope remains the same that her work inspires the next generation.
Cheek said being a female firefighter comes with some stereotypes.
"When we get on scene, they don't come talk to me, they will come to one of the guys because they don't think that I'm the person in charge," said Cheek. "The guys will be like you need to be talking to her."
Cheek said she's been captain for two decades.
While time is blazing by, she remembers the day that ignited her 30-year career.
"I remember the day very well, I called the fire department and I asked them, I said 'Hey do you have women in the fire department?' I said, 'I am thinking about wanting to do it but I don't know if you have women,' and they were like, 'Oh yeah we got a few women, come over and see us and talk to us,' and then I filled out my application," said Cheek.
Cheek said from there, it was like going through boot camp and one of the hardest things she ever did.
But she said it was worth it, as it's allowed her to extinguish the stereotypes.
Cheek holds many firsts within the department.
Cheek was the first woman on the Greensboro Fire Urban Search and Rescue Team, the first female ever assigned to Station 4, and what many know as the nationally recognized swift water and rescue team, Cheek was the first woman on the rescue squad and instrumental in the initial training for crews.
"You are walking into a man's world in the profession, but honestly if you're not trying to push them aside, they will welcome you with open arms," said Cheek.
While a lot has changed, some things have not.
"People will say to me, 'Gosh I didn't realize you all had women,' and this is 2024," she said. "So think about when I came on in 1995 like I didn't know they had women."
Cheek hopes her work will spark young women to suit up.
"Get out of your comfort zone, get out of your box that you feel like you can perform in, and just come and try it," she said.
Now is the chance if you're a female and feeling inspired.
You can apply for Camp Spark. It's a firefighting camp for young women.
Registration is already open for Camp Spark. It's a week-long program put on by the Greensboro Fire Department just for young women.
They're calling for all interested girls between 9th and 12th grade to sign up and It's all free.
The camp runs from July 15-19 this summer.