Sandusky firefighter a city trailblazer

SANDUSKY — Most 5 year olds go on pretend adventures in their backyards. But not Ashley Howells. As a 5-year-old girl, she would frequently accompany her dad, Alan Smith, on real-life dangerous missions often involving saving someone's life. "My dad's rule was when the pager went off, and if you beat him to the truck, I could go with him to the calls," Howells said. "That's the environment I grew up in: I'd go out on calls and to trainings with him." The impression Smith imparted onto Howells left a lasting impact on her life. "I'll never forget my dad helping people and being part of something special," Howells said. "I admired the firefighters. I would hand them water bottles after they would pull people out of fires." Howells not only followed in her father's footsteps but also, with a recent change in life, created a trailblazing path. In August, Howells arrived to the Sandusky Fire Department as its newest hire. She's a firefighter, EMT and receiving education to also become a paramedic. "I've always wanted to become a firefighter," said Howells, who previously served with Elyria Township's and Amherst's fire departments. Sandusky, however, represents her first full-time job. "It was in my heart and soul to do this and be part of this community," she added. "There are a lot of opportunities here. I like the dive rescue and rope rescue (teams) where I can advance. I'm big on growth and growth in my life. And (Sandusky) just feels like home. I got that feeling immediately upon coming here." Upon stepping into the station and clocking in for her first shift, Howells made local history. She's the: • Only female firefighter on Sandusky's active roster, totaling just under 50 people today • First female firefighter to work for the department since Toni Schmidt retired in 2014 • First female firefighter hired by the department since Schmidt and Tamie Myers in 1988. Sandusky fire Capt. Jim Green, who's serving as the department's interim chief, noted Howells outperformed all other candidates, a majority being men, during a recent hiring process. In other words, Howells didn't get the job solely because she's a woman — she earned the spot, standing out above all other applicants, Green said. "She did really well," Green said. "She was the best candidate of the ones we interviewed." For instance, Sandusky's prospective firefighters must get through an arduous obstacle course in fewer than 7 minutes to qualify for a potential hire. "I did it in half the time," said Howells, who's a bodybuilder in her spare time. Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser swore in Howells during an August ceremony. "We are committed to hiring a workforce that serves the city well and is also representative of the population of the community," Wobser said. "This is a step in that direction. We have a long way to go but will keep at it and look forward to Ashley joining an amazing team at Sandusky fire." Though she didn't request it, Howells gladly accepts the position of community role model. "I want to show other young women that they can pursue whatever it is they dream of," Howells said. "We are told as kids that we can do whatever we want to do, but, when we get older, some people hinder those dreams, but that's not right. People should have the opportunity and right to follow their dreams." When people see her out at a scene, extinguishing fires or rescuing people, Howells hopes they — especially young girls and women of all ages — take notice of her demeanor. "I want them to see someone that is both strong and kind," Howells said. "You can be strong and confident in what you're doing and achieve your goals and also be humble, willing to help anyone in need."