When Amherst County High School junior Mackenzie Reynolds sees structures on fire, it doesn’t cross her mind to run the other way.
The Amherst native wants to pitch in and help as emergencies arise and the alarm from the Amherst Fire Department sounds.
“I can’t wait to go into burning buildings,” said Mackenzie in a recent interview at the department’s fire station on Second Street in Amherst. “Ever since I was little, that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, if I could. Just help people.” At 16, she is getting her wish after joining the department earlier this year as its only current female member and one of just a few current high school-age volunteers. Undergoing training classes, observing life-saving techniques and interacting with fellow volunteers with years of experience, she said she is excited about the prospect of fighting fires one day and responding to emergencies.