City hires first female firefighter since 2017

Heaven Henning, 19, knew at a very young age that she wanted her life to be about serving others. Through encouragement she received from several role models, she quickly found herself drawn toward the fire service.  

Henning has recently joined the ranks at Morganton Public Safety as the first full-time, female firefighter since 2017.

As many know, it takes bravery, strength and dedication to be the one running toward a fire and not away from it. Firefighting is a male-dominated career and Henning had to overcome outside voices and her own inner voice that would try to discourage her from following this path.

Henning said, “If it is what you really want to do, then nothing can stop you. There are going to be people who think you can’t do it or that you aren’t strong enough. You can prove them wrong as long as you work hard.”

She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge base and learning as much as she can from other firefighters. She loves to complete training exercises to not only learn, but to be able to interact with firefighters and surround herself with people who will build up and encourage her.

Henning said, “It is a little intimidating just because everyone is watching you, but I think it is also very exciting because they chose me. It is an honor.”

She is originally from Maryland, but moved here to North Carolina during high school. She enrolled into Patton High School and was involved in the Fire Academy. She became a volunteer firefighter at Triple Community Fire Department where she says the love of fighting fire was solidified.

Henning said, “For me, it has always been the service aspect that I enjoy. I want to help people in any way that I can.”

The comradery that she has felt since joining the Morganton Public Safety family and in the firefighting community in general was a big factor in her choosing this career as well.

Henning said, “I haven’t even been there a month and we are already cracking jokes with one another. It is a family and I have always admired that part of it. I am just excited to be a part of the family that they have. Every shift was very welcoming and ready to help and train me.”

She wants to encourage young girls who are interested in firefighting and hopes to be a role model for them to follow. She says that everyone starts somewhere and that you will sometimes make mistakes.

Henning said, “As long as you ‘fail-forward’ it is okay … as long as you’re not backtracking … as long as you learn from it and keep going forward that is the good part.”

Israel Gibson, Fire Division Chief, said “I have never seen someone so excited and passionate as Firefighter Henning. She always has a positive mindset and is eager to learn and serve others.”

MDPS Chief Jason Whisnant said, “We are excited to have Firefighter Henning on board and feel like she will be a great addition as one of our firefighters. We wish her all the best and are excited to see her grow in her firefighting skills.”