To commemorate Women's History Month 2022, the Airports Authority is launching another series acknowledging the tremendous efforts of women working in various sectors of MWAA. These women have contributed to every aspect of the operations of the Airports before and during the pandemic and are now shaping the recovery process.
From every department at the Airports Authority, both Airports, and the Toll Road, we salute the achievements and contributions of all the extraordinary women who work here.
Rebecca McPherson
Fire Station 303, EMT, Firefighter II
Tell us your role here at the Airports Authority.
I am a Firefighter III, EMT, HazMat Technician, and aspiring Paramedic.
Tell us about your career journey.
My whole life I’ve been told that there are certain things that I can not do, becoming a firefighter being among them. In 2015, I had an opportunity to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks where I was accepted into their Fire Science Associate’s degree program and got hired as a University Firefighter/EMT. While attending classes and working, I also volunteered with the North Star Volunteer Fire Department and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Hazmat Response Team, became certified as a Hazardous Materials Technician, and earned my Alaska EMT-3 certification. After graduation, I continued volunteering and accepted a position with the Ester Fire Department in Ester, Alaska as a Station Duty Officer, ultimately promoting to Engineer before I moved to Virginia in 2018. I started at MWAA in 2019 as a Firefighter II/EMT and I am currently attending a Paramedic certification course to be completed in 2022.
Share an example of a hurdle or obstacle you experienced during your career journey and how you overcame it.
The biggest obstacle I’ve had to face so far in my career is having people tell me that I’m not enough and that I would never make it. All it took was one person to give me a shot, which paved the way for someone else to take a chance, which lead to more opportunities and more open doors. At that point, it was all on me; I just had to prove that I could achieve the same standards as everyone else. I struggled but I never gave up and I persevered. I didn’t slack off. I didn’t get comfortable. I stayed on my toes, constantly studied, and strengthened my skills and knowledge. However, I didn’t do it alone. I could not have gotten where I am today if it hadn’t been for everyone who took a chance on me and provided their knowledge, wisdom, and support.
What has been your biggest career and or personal achievement?
My most treasured achievement was being recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the North Star Volunteer Fire Department.
What advice would you give young women about a career in the firefighter field?
Never accept defeat. Keep trying until you succeed and then try and try until you can not fail. Seek to gain mastery of your skills.