PARKER PAINTER

Family Focus

I am 17 and the youngest of three. I have an older sister and brother … a nephew, a niece, and two dogs! My mom has taught me to be brave, strong, and fearless. My dad has inspired me by showing us all (through his own example) how to be and DO anything you set your mind to.

Ready for Action

I have been an athletic trainer for wrestling and football for North Lincoln High School for the last three years. Being a trainer requires you to be present at practices, prior to games to assist with tapings and therapy for players, and of course all games. I am OSHAcertified and also have my firstaid and CPR certifications.

Teachable Moments

Some of the biggest lessons that I have learned through the pandemic include being able to keep up and adapt to the constant change and restrictions. It played a tremendous part in knowing all the dangers and constant risk with being a firefighter and also helped with my landscaping business. It taught me to not only be aware of my surroundings, but how my actions can affect or hurt someone else.

Giving Back

The Stand Firm Warrior Foundation is very special to me, and I have been a volunteer for the last five years. The foundation was started in memory of a dear family friend who lost his battle with leukemia days after his 15th birthday. His sister and I have been friends since elementary school. We help to promote childhood cancer awareness to communities and assist families of patients battling cancer.

Stay Busy, Have Fun

The best way I have found to tackle my busy life is to constantly plan ahead. Between school, work, firefighter training, and family it often becomes crazy. My day-planner has become a dear friend. It’s also important to have some fun and free-time so I enjoy fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling … I’m a very outdoorsy kind of person. I love to get down-and-dirty and just have fun while I do it.

Rising to the Occasion

Two things I am most proud of is my ability to handle and remain calm and collected in highstress situations, and being the youngest female in my firehouse. I have been accepted by the other firefighters and they have been very encouraging with my career choice. I am able to put emotions aside and complete the job or task at hand with care and professionalism.

Wise Words

Many of the obstacles and challenges I have been through have had to do with loved ones or close family friends passing. I learned at a very young age to cherish every moment you have with your family because you never know what tomorrow brings. I try to live life to the fullest and to take chances … you can achieve anything that you set your mind to, so don’t be afraid to listen to your gut.

Firefighter Parker Painter, 17, is the youngest of three and lives with her mom, dad, and brother Wyatt in Denver. Parker is a rising senior at North Lincoln High School.