AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – Wolffy’s Breakfast and Brew co-owner Jessica Davis is pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter.
The Airway Heights Fire Department Facebook says Davis started the West Plains Fire Academy in February, the first step in fulfilling her goal of becoming a firefighter.
“It’s always something I’ve wanted to do,” said Jessica. “I feel like I’ve always had a call to service.”
Jessica decided to join the academy after her husband, Justin, graduated from the police academy last year. He is now a full-time deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.
“I think that was an eye-opening experience for me. I was able to take on everything at the restaurant so Justin could take a step toward his dream,” said Jessica. “Now it’s my turn. We have an incredible staff who are making it possible for me to do this. Honestly, if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to take a step out. I owe them a lot.”
Before fully committing to pursuing her dream, Jessica rode along with the Airway Heights Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 10 several times last fall.
“I wanted to be sure I was making the right choice,” said Jessica. “Seeing the crew in action was a big selling point for me.”
Jessica plans to graduate from the program in mid-June, followed by volunteering for the Airway Heights Fire Department.
“I already told the chiefs if they need somebody to come in, I’m your girl,” laughed Jessica. “They told me I might regret saying that, but I fully intend on contributing as much as they’ll let me.”
In addition to fulfilling her dream, Jessica looks forward to playing a bigger part in the Airway Heights community and ‘touching people’s lives in a greater way.’
“Graduating from the academy is truly going to be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life,” said Jessica. “The academy presents so many challenges. When I come home, a new part of my body hurts every day, but it’s worth it in the end.”
On Saturday March 16, Jessica, dressed in a full firefighting uniform, worked with the fire hoses, pulling them from the truck, along with her fellow recruits. She is the only woman attending the winter session.
“I may be a five-foot-tall woman, but I want to show my kids you can do hard things and that it’s never too late to reach your goals,” she said. “Everybody is so great. I’ve been accepted with open arms, and I know people in the background are cheering me on.”
Community service is essential for Jessica. Since opening the restaurant in 2017, she has served and engaged her community in numerous ways, including hosting special events for the Airway Heights Police Department.
“I believe the more you give back to your community, the more that community will give back to you,” said Jessica.
