FDNY LT. Anna Schermerhorn-Collins, Phoenix Firecamp Director, Honored by the Greater New York Exploring Council

Lt. Anna Schermerhorn-Collins, City of New York Fire Department, was recently honored by the Greater New York Exploring Council as an Explorer Post Chairperson, a founder of Phoenix Firecamp and its director for the past six years. She was one of four individuals in New York City recognized by the Council for being a role model, a community leader and for her outstanding contribution to the Exploring program. The camp is Explorer Post 0707.

Phoenix Firecamp, established by Fire Service Women of New York State in 2007, is a weeklong overnight firematics camp designed to introduce young women to opportunities in fire and emergency services. 97 girls, ages 14-19, from eight U.S. states and Canada have graduated and well over half are currently involved in fire and/or emergencies services in their municipalities.

Lt. Schermerhorn-Collins is a 15 year veteran of the FDNY. Hired in 1996, she served as a firefighter in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island as part of the former FDNY rotation program. She was promoted to fire lieutenant in 2005 and became the first woman fire officer assigned to the Bronx Borough Command. After working in a variety of firehouses throughout the north Bronx and upper Manhattan as a covering officer, Lt. Schermerhorn-Collins was officially assigned to Engine Company 93 in Washington Heights in December, 2006, where she continues to serve today with pride.