Prince William County fire department Cpt. Kim Pumphrey is the department’s highest-ranking woman working in the field as the head of one of the county’s busiest engine companies. She has been professionally fighting fires in Prince William for more than 18 years but started as a volunteer in Madison, Va., when she was 16. As a single mother, she’s not only a role model for her crew members, but also her daughter.
What got you involved with firefighting at such a young age?
My family. My father was a firefighter in Fairfax County, retired from there as a captain and then became chief of the Albemarle County fire department. When my dad came home, I was always interested in what calls he had gone on, and my mom would often take us to visit him at the station. I wanted to be just like my dad from the time when I was a very little kid. My uncle was a Prince William County firefighter, and he contacted me after I graduated from school to come work there.
Was there anyone who served as a role model for you in the department?
Battalion Chief Jennie Collins is the highest-ranking woman in the department. She is not assigned to an engine company and does more work on the administrative side. I worked for her while I was in [emergency medical services] operations, and she’s been my mentor over the years. She helped me believe that I could do the job and advance. I watched how she behaved.
Do you see yourself as a role model for other women in the department?
I would hope I serve as a role model to men and women. I want to be a mentor and help guide others through the path of their choosing in the department. … I’m a single mom, too. While I have family support for my daughter, I’m raising her on my own. Hopefully she’ll see how she can be successful while caring for a family and getting an education.
– Freeman Klopott
