We’re thrilled to introduce you to a WSCFF member who is remarkable in many ways and, importantly, demonstrates her strength through empowering others.
Kelsey Benson of L2903 Lacey Fire Fighters shows up for her crew, her community, and the next generation. She revived the Capital Metro Girls Fire Camp, a two-day local camp for ages 16 to 20 that encourages young women to take on new roles, learn new skills, and bond with one another. The camp offers mentorship from local female and community leaders and uses firefighting to show young women what they are capable of, creating an environment where anything is possible with hard work and grit. The camp is free, and all staff members volunteer their time. Kelsey also leads LFD3’s participation in the Olympia Pride Parade and continues creating opportunities, building confidence, and making sure everyone knows they belong and are valued. Her efforts continue to shape the future of the fire service, making the table stronger, longer and more inclusive.
Says WSCFF District 2 Representative Chris Ross of Kelsey, “Kelsey is the epitome of a member who does something, simply because it’s the right thing to do. From stepping-up to run her local’s charity when no one else would, to running a “girl’s camp” to introduce young women to the fire service, her selfless focus has always been on how she can be of help to others. Kelsey is an excellent example for firefighters around our district, and around the state.”
Originally from Harlowton, Montana, Kelsey has called Western Washington home for the last decade. A female firefighter at her gym introduced her to the fire service in 2016, starting a journey that began with volunteering at South Bay Fire Department in 2017 and led to her being hired by L2903 Lacey Fire District 3 in 2018. Today, she serves as a Firefighter/EMT at Station 34 on D-shift, rotating on the engine and aid unit.
Why did you start your firefighting career?
I started because I wanted to work in a career that was rewarding and had a team environment that also paid well and allowed me to have time off for travel. I grew up playing basketball, so when I moved to Seattle and didn’t have a basketball team anymore, I was in search of something similar and luckily found that.
Also, I’ve always enjoyed medicine. I actually took an EMT class in high school that I really enjoyed.
The fire side was new for me at the time, but I really enjoyed learning new skills and being challenged in different ways I had never experienced before.
What got you involved with your local/the WSCFF?
Chris Ross was my first lieutenant when I started volunteering at Lacey Fire Department 3 in February 2018 and helped me get hired by September 2018. He has always been great at answering my questions about how unions work.
What does being part of your union (the WSCFF and your local) mean to you?
It’s a sense of job security in knowing that our union can and should advocate for our best interests as firefighters.
Has being part of the union/WSCFF made a difference in your career or life?
It feels comforting to know that our union negotiates amazing contracts that give myself and my family an income and benefits that allow us to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
What’s a moment you’re proud of from your time in the fire service?
Crystal Murphy (L2903 Lacey) was one of the women that met with me several times in 2016 to help me grasp what it takes to become a firefighter and I really appreciated her mentorship and the time she took out of her days off to help a stranger (me). My first girls fire camp was the first Capital Metro Girls Fire Camp in 2017 that she created, and it was such a positive experience for me to see other women helping young women become more confident and get a taste for the fire service. She died in December 2017, I started at LFD3 in February 2018 as a volunteer and then got hired as a career firefighter in September 2018.
Due to COVID, the camp had a four-year break and I took the initiative to bring it back in 2023, so this year was my second time running it. I am pretty proud that we were able to continue Crystal’s legacy and I hope this camp continues even after my career. Although I took the lead on this, I am so grateful to have the support from our chiefs at LFD3, many people from LFD3, and the neighboring departments in Thurston County to make sure this camp is a success. We also had several volunteers from all over Washington state and one from California.
Additionally, I also try to gather as many L2903 members as I can every year for the Olympia Pride Parade and have our LFD3 antique engine in the parade. I think it’s important to support Pride events and be present and seen by our community so they know we are a safe space. It’s also important for union members that are also part of the LGBTQ+ community to feel the support by having the option to walk in our local Pride parade every year and know that their union and coworkers support them.
What do you do outside of work? What makes you happy?
Spending time with my wife, daughter, and two dogs; traveling; fitness.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting more involved in their union?
Ask questions to learn more and attend all local union meetings. Ask your Executive Board how you can become more involved, get on a committee that you are passionate about.
What advice would you give to women interested in the fire service?
Interview current firefighters, volunteer, do ride-alongs to make sure it is the career for you. Find a mentor or multiple mentors to help you through the process.
What advice would you give to women already in the fire service?
Create a safe and healthy support system inside and outside the fire service. Find a therapist that you like. I know it’s a lot of work but it’s a necessity. Mental health needs to be a priority. Support other women. It is challenging at times to be the only woman at your station, on your entire shift, or on your crew. So when you can, support other women however you possibly can.
What motivates you?
I had several mentors before and early on in my career who dedicated a lot of time and effort into my success, so I am always looking for ways to pay it forward. You never know what people are going through, so I try to always ask questions and help people if I can.
Anything else you want people to know about you or your story?
We always need volunteers for these camps, preferably firefighters. So if anyone is interested in helping, male or female, we would love to have you in August 2027.
Our Capital Metro Girls Fire Camp website is cmfiregirlscamp.com. Information about ways to donate is also on our website. Our Venmo account is through Lacey Firefighters Charity. We received donations from L2903, L468, and L3825 which is a huge help for us during every camp, since we run on 100% donations.
Additionally, in even years, there is a week-long overnight girls’ fire camp called Camp Blaze outside of North Bend at the Washington State Fire Academy site. This is actually how the two-day camp got started for us and that is why we only do it every other year so that volunteers don’t have to choose which camp to help with. More info: campblazefirecamp.org.
A message to our members?
Keep paying it forward. None of us are successful on our own. Look for ways to help people outside of our routine responses.
What advice would you give to a firefighter who hasn’t gotten involved in their union yet?
Go to meetings, ask questions, knowledge is power.
Thank you, Kelsey, to your continued commitment and work!