EMT Kira Betty Saves Lives, Teaches and Inspires

FDNY EMT Kira Betty has been serving in our Department since 1997 and she became an instructor at our Bureau of Training in 2008. We caught up with this hard-working member to chat last week right after she completed a teaching session with our Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety students.

JF: What made you become an instructor?
KB: I learned what it takes to be in the classroom teaching a while back, before my official transition to instructor and I really enjoyed it. However, I’ve seen here how it takes years to become an instructor and it does take time to develop. This Academy is here to help build the future. In the field, we save lives one call at a time and teaching extends into the lives of each member we reach as they provide care to others. As an instructor, you’re changing the lives of hundreds of people and that’s important remember. In the end, I think this position is about dedication and helping others more than anything else.

JF: What drives you to continue to serve as an instructor at our Bureau of Training?
KB: My work ethic. Any position that I’ve held no matter what the task is, I’ve always made it a priority to do my best.

JF: What’s your greatest accomplishment as an instructor?
KB: Working with the students in our youth program. I’ve seen some of my former students now and they out rank me at this point. My former students include Paramedics and Firefighters and I get to see them as grown men and women now, and I love that they’re doing great things in their career.

JF: What would you say is key to getting through our EMS Academy training?
KB: I believe the love of what you are doing will get you through this training. You have to want to learn all you can about this career and love helping others.