HERO ACADEMY 2022

Research shows that across the country, women only make up 8% of fire fighters and 13% law enforcement officers. In July, a group of women from the Des Moines, Iowa Police and Fire Departments joined forces to create the first annual Iowa Hero Academy, to help encourage young women, ages 15-18, to explore a career as a first responder. The Iowa Hero Academy, a week long camp held at Camp Dodge, gave twenty-six participants a first-hand look at what it takes to be a first responder. From traffic stops and crime scene analysis, to learning how to deploy fire hoses and rappelling, the camp’s mission is to empower young women through developing leadership skills and confidence. “This opportunity has been in the planning stage for two years,” said Hali VanVelzen, a fire fighter and medic with Des Moines Fire. “The idea initiated with the women within our fire department and then expanded to the women with police department. With the assistance from the Des Moines Police Activities League, the Iowa National Guard, and sponsors like PFIA, we were able to make it happen at no cost to youth.” High school females from across Iowa were able to apply, write an essay, and go through an interview process to be selected for the camp. “We weren’t looking for just 26 girls to fill the spots, we were looking for the best 26 girls to fill the spots….and we did exactly that,” said VanVelzen. According to the Iowa Hero staff, it is their goal to continue to grow the program and to encourage other communities to develop their own camps for the young women in their communities.

“It’s about filling our ranks, building the bench, and finding our future replacements. We need strong, confident, amazing women to take our place and where better else to look than in our own backyard!” said VanVelzen.