There was a time when one of these things — mother, grandmother, volunteer firefighter, Mary Kay sales director — was not like the other.
But those days are gone, and Lititz resident Cindy Templeton said she's been blessed with a life that has enabled her to be all of those things.
As a member of the Neffsville Community Fire Company, Templeton has done everything from helping fight fires to extricating people trapped in cars. She now works mostly in a backup role, but remains a certified Vehicle Rescue Technician.
She has been known to wear her firefighter gear — bunker pants, gear coat, helmet — over a skirt and blouse, and she used to drive a pink Mary Kay Cadillac to the fire station.
Templeton said the Neffsville firefighters always have treated her and other female firefighters with respect. Right now, she said, she can count 10 women who either fight fires or serve as fire police for the Neffsville fire company. Her daughter, Jenn, is a second lieutenant in the company.
Templeton's husband, Mike, just was elected captain of the Neffsville company. Both of Templeton's parents served as fire police.
Her father, James Hendricks, died Dec. 5. "He's directing traffic with Jesus right now," Templeton said.
Age: 51.
Hometown: Lancaster.
Family: Husband: Mike, married 32 years. Daughters: Lynn, age 31; Jenn, 28; Beth, 25; and Laura, 23.
Four granddaughters: 10-year-old Taylor; 4-year-old Laurel; 2-year-old Sierra Rose; and 9-month-old Ellie.
Education: Graduated from Manheim Township High School in 1974.
When I was a girl, I thought I'd grow up to be: A successful woman, wife and mother and ... a positive role model (actually – a private detective).
How I got into firefighting: I joined the Fire/Rescue Explorer Post with the Neffsville Community Fire Company in high school. My girlfriend's dad was in the fire company. Our Friday nights were spent at the fire station.
What it was like then for women in fire companies? In the 1970s, women were mainly in the ladies auxiliary. My girlfriends and I were not given pagers, as were the guys who were in our Explorer Post. We all took the same first-aid courses, memorized where all the equipment was on the fire apparatus and learned many of the basics. A lot of women began running with the ambulance crews. As the years went by, our fire company began a Junior Firefighter program for both males and females. Three of my four daughters participated in the program. They all earned the respect of their male peers because they were willing to ... carry their weight as team players. Every good firefighter knows his or her limitations.
To be a firefighter, it takes: The willingness to be a part of a team, to be disciplined, to be educated and trained, and to take orders. As a volunteer firefighter, you have to pay the price of time away from family and friends.
It is difficult being: On any accident scene of a young person at his or her prime, and [see] his or her life being taken because of making a poor choice.
The safety practice that I wish more people would obey: Wearing seat belts!
How I feel about my daughters choosing to be firefighters: Proud!
My proudest moment as a firefighter: When my daughter, at age 20, was voted the Firefighter of the Year by the members of our fire department. Not to be surpassed when my daughter, the next year, announced her father as the Firefighter of the Year and handed him the plaque!
A common misconception about female firefighters is: They are in it to meet guys. (Sorry guys!)
How the world has changed for young women in firefighting today: I've seen more respect and less amazement and disdain when we arrive on a scene. The instructors of the training courses are just as fair to both male and female. ... There are many women who now participate in the fire service in our county.
I became a Mary Kay consultant to earn: Extra income to pay credit card bills. It became a career when I earned more money in seven hours selling cosmetics than in 44 hours as a medical transcriptionist and secretary. I wanted flexibility and to be able to be a successful wife, mom and grammy while keeping my priorities — God first, family second, and career third.
My favorite movie is: "Facing the Giants."
The last book I read was: "The 4:8 Principle" by Tommy Newberry.
I relax by: Watching my husband cook — he is incredible! — with a glass of merlot.
My greatest wish: I wish that God uses me in all of my situations to bless others and share His love.
Suzanne Cassidy is a staff writer for the Sunday News. Her e-mail address is scassidy@lnpnews.com.
