Teenager serves her community working with both fire, police departments

NEW MILFORD, CT (InvestigateTV) - Meet Calley Thierfelder. This Connecticut teen spends her time traveling from school to the firehouse, then from the firehouse to the police department.

She is making an impact in her community, while also encouraging other girls and women to make the leap into male-dominated fields.

Whether she is on a fire truck or in a police car, she is there to help.

“My dad wanted me to grow up in an area with like-minded people. People who do things for the community,” Calley said.

She’s a member of the Northville Fire Department, working alongside her dad. She grew up going to calls in a car seat. Fourteen years later she joined the department.

Now, a high school junior, she’s responded to nearly half of the calls taken by the fire department in the past year.

“It’s quite fun because I am the smallest one so I can do all the fun jobs. I also like to see the faces on everyone when they see a 5′2″ girl beside a 6′ guy and I’m carrying just as much as they are,” said Calley.

On scene, she’s recognized not only by her pink shield but by the hard work she does too.

Her parents are proud of what she does.

“The best part of it is when it’s all over and other people tell me about what she’s done,” said Al and Jen Thierfelder.

Right down the road, Calley is a charter member of the New Milford Junior Police Cadets.

“As a police cadet and a firefighter and a training EMR when I’m on the scene I can get all aspects and help everybody mesh together because I know what they’re gonna need and help be a part of that,” Calley said.

Her advisor, Officer “Gee”, said the growth Calley has shown has been tremendous.

“She’s a role model to the other cadets and whenever we need assistance with new cadets she’s our go-to person and she’s shown great strength and leadership and taking her role responsibilities very seriously,” said Officer Gee Syan.

For Calley, it’s bigger than just going to work. It’s about being a role model to other girls and women. Encouraging them to do what they love, find a new interest, and be bold.

“Don’t be afraid of what you like, always do what you want because people that hold you back are always gonna be jealous of you. They wanna do what you wanna do,” Calley said.

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