Serving Side by Side: Grinnell Students Work with The Grinnell Fire Department
Three Grinnell College students are building skills, relationships, and community connection through service as EMTs and firefighters with the City of Grinnell.
Three Grinnell College students are serving alongside the City of Grinnell’s Fire Department as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and firefighters—strengthening the connection between campus and community in meaningful ways.
Sascha Rhein ’28 and Klaire Thompson ’27 serve as volunteers, while Katya Lackey ’27 works part-time with the department. As volunteers, Rhein and Thompson attend regular training sessions, help respond to emergencies, remain on call for emergencies, and assist at community events — from ambulance standby at college sporting events to helping with the department’s biannual Pancake Palooza, a study break for students. In her part-time role, Lackey helps fill in when full-time firefighters and EMTs are taking time off.
Each student shared how their work with the department has shaped their Grinnell experience.
Rhein, an English and Classics major from Washington D.C. began working with the department when she first arrived at Grinnell. She previously began work with the fire department in high school and is now a certified EMT and firefighter.
“I love the work and the job. It has taught me so much about how to handle different situations, as well as how to adapt quickly and use what I know to problem-solve. I have interacted with people from all different places in life and connected with each one of them. In Grinnell specifically, I have been able to get to know the town and townspeople much better. Each department is different, so I have been able to experience many new circumstances and situations here,” she said.
Thompson also reflected on the professional growth and mentorship she has found at the station. “I have learned so much from my experiences with the amazing people that work at the station. Not only have they given me the chance to practice and hone my EMT skills, but they have also taught me other forms of emergency rescue skills like ice rescues, hazmat, railroad incidents, and others that are extremely valuable. They are also some of the nicest and most supportive people I have met. The work environment is fun—as fun as a serious job like that can be—and I enjoy my time there and feel like I’m making a difference.”
Lackey shared her experience as a part-time employee. “I take 12 or 24-hour shifts, normally at night or on the weekends. During the shifts, I respond to any 911 medical or fire related calls. This can include anything from chest pain to a car crash or a house fire. I will treat the patients and transport them to the hospital.”
She also reflected on how her position has strengthened her relationship with the Grinnell community: “Treating members of the community has helped me get to know the town in a much deeper way. I also love working for the department and getting to know all of the volunteers and full-time guys! It is a great and supportive community and I have learned so much over the past three years.”
Fire Chief Dan Sicard (pictured below with the students) noted the broader impact of student involvement on the department and the community:
“Having the students has made a stronger connection and better understanding between our volunteers and what goes on at the College. It is always a good thing for an organization to have some outside perspectives within their group. The students we have now, and those we’ve had in the past, have come from all different parts of the country.”
Susan Sanning, Associate Dean and Executive Director of Civic Education & Innovation at Grinnell College, shared, “We are deeply appreciative of the time and dedication it takes to mentor student volunteers and part-time employees in a field as demanding as emergency response. The members of the Grinnell Fire Department invest not only in training and skill development, but in the personal and professional growth of our students. Their willingness to share expertise and guide emerging leaders reflects the strength of our partnership and the shared commitment we have to this community.”
Through emergency response, public safety support, and community events, these students are gaining hands-on experience while deepening ties between Grinnell College and the City of Grinnell—answering the call in more ways than one.
More About EMS in Grinnell
Emergency medical services are a vital part of rural communities, where access to timely care can make a life-saving difference. Many Grinnell community partners have worked intentionally and collaboratively to build and sustain a strong municipal EMS system that provides rapid response, advanced medical care, and ongoing public safety support.
The Grinnell Fire Department’s EMS team responds to medical emergencies across the community, supports large campus and city events, and maintains rigorous training standards to ensure high-quality care. Sustaining this level of service in a rural setting requires long hours of preparation, certification, continuing education, and a deep commitment from both full-time staff and volunteers.
For Grinnell College students, this community investment also becomes an extraordinary learning opportunity. By serving as EMTs and firefighters, students gain hands-on experience in emergency response, patient care, teamwork, and leadership — all while contributing to an essential public service.