As a health sciences student at Aurora University, Amanda “Amy” Scheller thought she might pursue sports medicine or maybe a job in an emergency room.
But a guidance counselor pointed her toward a career as a firefighter. Twenty years later, she hasn’t looked back.
“When you’re called to help, when someone really needs it and you’re able to make a positive difference, change the outcome for the better, it’s really rewarding,” said Scheller, 39, of Montgomery.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The Naperville Fire Department’s first female lieutenant has now been named the 2011 Naperville Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year.
“She is just a tremendous firefighter and a great officer for the department,” Chief Mark Puknaitis said. “Her supervisory skills and her dedication to excellence in providing service for the community is outstanding and she is a great example for all members of the department.”
Puknaitis added his lieutenant has a positive attitude and is always willing to take on additional duties. Scheller joined the Naperville department nearly 14 years ago after volunteering with the Montgomery-Countryside Fire Protection District, and now serves on Naperville’s dive team, recruitment team and honor guard. She also is a field instructor and part of both the city’s fire investigation team and the DuPage County Arson Task Force. In addition, Scheller coordinates the Juvenile Fire Setter Program that helps children who may have experimented with fire and are in need of intervention and education.
Scheller downplays her involvements, saying they are typical of her colleagues and called the Firefighter of the Year award “really humbling.”
“I naturally work the way I work … I’m looking for challenges and things to better myself and help the organization,” she said.
In August 2010, she became the first female firefighter in Naperville to reach the rank of lieutenant.
“It’s all about making sure you’re respectful and know your job and are confident and have their safety in mind,” she said of being a female officer in a male-dominated field.
Firefighter/paramedic Jim Leslie said he chose to be part of Scheller’s crew at Station 3.
“She’s knowledgeable, she treats us fairly and she knows her job,” Leslie said.
Scheller is the Exchange Club’s 10th Firefighter of the Year. As part of the award, she will serve as a judge at next summer’s Ribfest and participate in the city’s Labor Day parade and Sept. 11 remembrance event.
