COLUMBUS, Ohio — Elizabeth Finnegan has worked to make an impact at the Columbus Department of Fire since she arrived about five years ago. 

Finnegan knew at 10 years old she wanted to be a firefighter, after her childhood home burned down, forcing her family to start over.

They lost everything, including their family dog, but in the ashes and turmoil, firefighters and fire inspectors came to the rescue.

One Black female fire inspector helped Finnegan discover her passion for public service.

“One of the fire inspectors that came by, had continued to come by and check in on us, and I told my mom, ‘one day I want to be like her,’” said Finnegan. 

Finnegan is originally from Cincinnati, and when she began her journey, she applied to every fire station within a two-hour radius.

Columbus called first and would eventually become her home away from home. The process was long, and she had to endure tedious amounts of mental and physical training.

Her athletic background helped her prepare for the physical exam, but for the written exams, she got help from the fire inspector that helped her and her family when she was a child.

When she finally graduated, she knew she’d make a difference in the Columbus community.

“When I first came out of the academy, I was a tiller man, a tiller driver, of one of the aerial trucks on the regular,” said Finnegan. “There’s just so many different opportunities and I’m just blessed to be a part of the Columbus Division of Fire.” 

Finnegan served on the honor guard and has been instrumental in diversity efforts for the Columbus Department of Fire, but her favorite thing about the job is being a 5-foot 2-inch female that drives a million-dollar truck.

Every day she helps someone new and every story sticks with her — whether it’s a severe stomachache or a burning building.

“Every day it’s something to look forward to, to be able to help people,” said Finnegan. “You can actually say you’ve saved someone’s life, just about every day.” 

Along with her firefighter duties, she’s also a cadet instructor.

When Finnegan started at the department, there were only 22 females in the department, now there are 55.

She helps her cadets navigate the real world of being a firefighter. Their curriculum covers everything from CPR training to how to grocery shop for 6-12 people on a shift.

Her cadet class is one of the most diverse she’s seen, which is important in order to make a difference both inside and outside of the classroom.

“You want to be able to relate to that person and kind of look at them and feel that connection and it happens with representation, it happens with diversity,” said Finnegan.