Captain Keri Keller didnt plan on becoming a firefighter but more than a decade after answering her first emergency call, shes now leading the charge to train the next generation at the Lake Country Fire and Rescue Training Cen ter.Keller, who began her career as an EMT, quickly discovered a passion for emergency services.That passion led to over 10 years as a firefighter and EMT with the Western Lakes Fire District.Today, she serves as captain of the LCFR training center, shaping the skills and confidence of new recruits and veteran responders alike. Seeing all these kids come through takes me back to the day I started, Keller said. Its very rewarding.The Lake Country Fire and Rescue Training Center provides creative community training and education tailored to the needs of its learners, empowering them to serve their communities through pre-hospital care and emergency recognition in both fire and EMS situations.Its vision is to be the most collaborative and responsive training center for local communities and emergency responders. The station even has a unique indoor obstacle course for training that many departments utilize.I remember being that excited when I first started doing this, so seeing that same excitement is really cool, Keller said.Among those shes helping guide is Savannah Waller, a firefighter/EMT with the Western Lakes Fire District who trains on the same course Keller oversees one designed to simulate the high-pressure conditions of real emergencies.Its good to hone our skills, Waller said while navigating obstacles like tight spaces and twisted wires.There are millions of ways to do one skill, so were always training, getting better, and trying to come up with new things. Keller and Waller are part of a small but growing group just 9% of firefighters nationwide are women, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).When Keller started, she said only three women were in her department as full-time firefighters.If its something you want to do, itll be a little more challenging, she said. But it will also be that much more rewarding.Kellers leadership extends beyond the training ground. About five years ago, she was the first responder at a motorcycle crash involving Wallers father a moment neither woman will forget.Having Keri be around, knowing she was the one that saved my dads life... I get tingles, Waller said.Now, Waller proudly serves her community, inspired, in part, by Kellers mentorship.This is definitely where Im meant to be, Waller smiled.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error ...read more read less