Amanda Molina made history in Great Neck’s Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company this month as the department’s first woman to serve as its emergency medical services chief — a milestone in the department’s 119-year history.
Molina, 24, has been working for the Vigilant Company for seven years, becoming Sergeant of Arms after one year of service. From there she continued to work up the ranks, serving as EMS 2nd Lieutenant and EMS Captain.
But while her work in the department started seven years ago when she was 17, the Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company has been a part of her life for most of it.
“I knew I wanted to do it way before then, but when I turned 17 I could finally do it,” Molina said.
Molina’s mother, Kimberly, joined the department when she was just 8 years old and she is now serving as the organization’s treasurer.
“The passion came from her,” Molina said about her mother. “If I hadn’t seen that passion when I was younger, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Growing up within the department, Molina would attend all the social events and be around the department from a young age.
“So I kind of grew up here,” Molina said.
She described her time working for the department as a rollercoaster, but worth it all in all.
“A lot of ups, a lot downs,” Molina said. “But honestly being here I’ve met so many amazing people and I’ve helped the community in so many ways I never thought I’d be able to.”
As the first female EMS chief, Molina described being a part of the department’s history as crazy and amazing. But with the landmark appointment, she said it still has its challenges.
“It’s definitely a little difficult sometimes being the only girl in a room and having people try to listen to you,” Molina said. “People don’t really want to listen immediately.”
As a woman in a male-dominated workplace, she said it can be hard to command the attention she needs to lead her team, but she has found support through a strong relationship with the department’s Chief Scott MacDonald.
“I know he’ll always listen to me,” Molina said.
Looking forward, Molina said she is excited to make changes to the department like boosting community relationships and bettering member education.
“I can’t wait for it to fall into place for everyone,” Molina said.
As EMS chief, Molina’s work will include working with the other neighboring fire departments to address emergencies, scheduling crews and reviewing patient care reports to ensure the community is receiving adequate care.
Serving under Molina is another female leader, Daniella Salim, who serves as the department’s EMS captain.
Molina’s position ranks her just below the department’s chief, the highest-ranking position that oversees the entire department. She serves next to the department’s 1st Assistant Fire Chief Kenny Yang.
The Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company services the peninsula of Great Neck and was started in 1904.
