UPDATE: Lexington’s new Junior Fire Chief motivated by Scouts

UPDATE POSTED SEPT. 23, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) – Ashlynn Stephens, Junior Girl Scout from The Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road (GSKWR), was recently elected 2021 Junior Fire Chief for the City of Lexington.

As Junior Fire Chief, Ashlynn will use her Girl Scout leadership skills while she serves as the Fire Department Dignitary during Fire Prevention Month this October, and throughout events for the Lexington Fire Department’s 150^th Anniversary.

Lexington’s Junior Fire Chief program has served Fayette county for decades by promoting fire education and prevention for kids.

As a 2021 Bronze Award-earning Girl Scout, Ashlynn has built leadership skills and developed a strong sense of self by tackling issues in her community.

Ashlynn was inspired to explore her passions through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience; Ashlynn and other members of Troop 868, identified an issue in the Lexington community that they could address with positive change

Ashlynn and her fellow troop members took the initiative to ensure the safety of the other troops who frequent Camp Shawano in Jessamine County by building a new structure to house firewood.

The Girl Scouts from Troop 868 were awarded the Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior can achieve.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED SEPT. 16, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – There’s a new Junior Fire Chief in town.

Thursday, Fifth Grader Ashlynn Stephens of Coventry Oak Elementary School was honored as Junior Fire Chief for the year.

She received her badge from Chief Jason Wells in a ceremony in front of family, the Lexington Fire Department, teachers, and classmates.

“The fire service is facing unique challenges that require strong leadership,” said Chief Wells, “We are eager to put Ashlynn’s skill and experience to work, and we welcome her to our ranks.”

Her official duties include educating her fellow students about fire safety and being an ambassador for students to the city and fire department.

“I’m happy and excited and yeah, that covers it… I’m going to be touring some of the different fire stations and like, radio stations, Keeneland, the Legends baseball field…” said Stephens.

However, the fifth grader says she’s most excited for the ice cream stops along the way.

“I’m most excited for ice cream,” said Stephens, “I like a lot of ice cream. All of it. I like sherbert and cookie dough.”

Stephens’ winning presentation on fire safety was chosen out of hundreds of applicants, all fifth graders from Fayette County.

According to Battalion Chief Jordan Saas, the fire department looks for students who are high academic achievers and who also display a strong sense of maturity.

“Leadership is essential. That’s why we’ve elevated her to a dignitary position; we want her to be an ambassador for us. That’s why maturity is critical in this role. They have to hold themselves together under pressure, in front of the mayor, council members, and the media…but also deliver the message that fire safety is critical,” said Battalion Chief Saas.

Stephens was honored again on Thursday night as the Lexington Fire Department celebrated its 150th anniversary.