A Passion for Public Safety

Scarlet Rohrscheib’s journey into firefighting began in Washington, where she lived close to a fire station and was inspired by her father, who served on the Snohomish Public Safety Committee board. This exposure to fire and emergency services cultivated her ambition from a young age.

“I knew I wanted to be a firefighter so I joined the cadet program through Clackamas Fire,” Scarlet stated, highlighting her early commitment to her future career.

Training with Purpose

Scarlet actively sought a comprehensive training program, ultimately choosing the Hoodland Fire District’s Student Program. “Researching student programs, I found this one and applied to it, and I’m really glad I’m in this one,” she reflected on her decision.

As October’s featured firefighter, she is set to graduate from the program in December. Notably, she is the sole female firefighter among four students in her training cohort.

Experiencing Mount Hood

A year prior to her enrollment, Scarlet visited Mount Hood for the first time with her dad, enjoying the stunning vistas of Trillium Lake and Ski Bowl. Little did she know that this beautiful location would become the backdrop of her firefighting training.

“I really liked the environment not knowing it was where I would end up,” she remarked, expressing her surprise at the serendipitous connection.

Future Aspirations

With an eye on her future in emergency services, Scarlet aims to enhance her skills by pursuing a paramedic license after completing her Initial Firefighter training. A 2026 graduate of Rex Putnam High School, she currently resides at the Government Camp fire station, where she benefits from room and board along with a stipend to cover living expenses.

She anticipates earning her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification before shifting her focus to the paramedic program. “Once I get my EMT, I’m going to work hard on my paramedic,” she said, reflecting her commitment to further her education.

Hands-On Experience

Scarlet’s training is immersive, allowing her to work closely with seasoned firefighters while actively responding to emergencies. She has partaken in a variety of calls, from trail rescues to car accidents, and even assisted in extinguishing a vehicle fire. “A volunteer had already extinguished the car fire. I got to spray the foam on it, which was pretty fun,” she noted, illustrating her hands-on experience.

Community Engagement and Personal Interests

Scarlet values the opportunity to contribute to the Hoodland community, stating, “In small communities, we’re able to help give back to our community what they give us and show my skills I’ve gained from being a cadet for Clackamas.”

Apart from her firefighting ambitions, she is passionate about hiking and art. Last year, she creatively raised $7,000 for breast cancer research through custom T-shirt sales, inspired by her grandmother, a cancer survivor.

Cultivating Future Opportunities

Eager to solidify her future, Scarlet aspires to continue her journey with the Hoodland Fire District, emphasizing her positive experiences and the strong relationships she has formed. “If not, I definitely want to keep on working for Hoodland,” she stated.

The Hoodland Fire District is currently accepting applications for its Student Program, with a deadline of April 2, 2027, for the 2027/2028 school year. Interested candidates can reach out to Student Program Leader Matt Nicholson at mattnicholson@hoodlandfire.gov or call (503) 622-3256 for more information.