F I T N ESS COAC H / P I LOT
Heats Up METUCHEN COMMUNITY
Jaclyn Navara is the Metuchen F.D.’s first female fire officer BY RYAN GALLAGHER
T
his is Jackie: She’s a 31-year-old from Old Bridge and she does pretty much everything there is to do. You’re thinking … What? Well, Jaclyn Navara is a full-time engineer and in her spare time she’s got a few hobbies. Navara is a fitness coach, she’s got her pilot’s license, she goes snowboarding, and most important to her local community: she is a volunteer firefighter. In fact, she’s the first-ever female fire officer in the 140 years that the Metuchen Fire Department has existed. Navara is an interesting character due to her many daily activities and interests. Above all, she’s recognized for her selfless work at the volunteer fire department and the impact she’s made on Metuchen’s community. It’s also a wonder how she gets any sleep, maintains a prestigious full-time career, and finds time for health and fitness. Feeling bad for sitting on the couch binging Game of Thrones yet? “I’m the first in my family to become a firefighter. At some point growing up, my parents said I should give back,” explained Navara, an engineer, firefighter and general sports woman. “[Volunteering at the fire department] is my way of giving back. It seemed challenging, and I wanted more hands-on experience that was different than the technical side of my engineering career.” Most humans see something challenging and shy away. One conversation with Navara and you’ll find she isn’t like most humans. She’s got a lot to say. She’s able to articulate those teeming thoughts in a clear fashion, and she does it all with a smile. Navara’s “third job” brings these favorable traits to the foreground. Over her almost seven years as a volunteer firefighter, she’s served communities like Old Bridge, Blenheim and now Metuchen. Currently a fire department lieutenant, she leads platoons of other firefighters, conducts trainings, and engages directly with her community in Metuchen. She’s experienced in fire rescue services, fire prevention, has learned how to maintain fire equipment, and has also developed additional organizational and team skills. Unlike certain talents that are only used in technical or business environments, Navara stresses that her volunteer work has taught 424 Main Street Metuchen, NJ 08840 • (732) 548-5334 her to communicate clearly with empathy.
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