FIRE CHIEF | LIBERTY EYLAU FIRE DEPARTMENT

When she was 15 years old, Mandy Freeman knew that she wanted to be a firefighter. After hearing friends at school talk about being a member of the fire department, Mandy became very interested in learning more about the program. She mentioned her desires to be a firefighter to her mother and father, and they agreed to let her join the Liberty-Eylau Fire Department. Since that time, she has put her heart and soul into moving up the ranks within the fire department, and she now serves as the department’s fire chief.

Why did you decide to be a volunteer firefighter?

Since I was only 15 at the time, I went through the Liberty-Eylau Fire Department Cadet program, where I got to do the same training as the firefighters. When I turned 18, I was able to become a firefighter. Ever since my first call, I loved getting to help people in my community. I was on the fire department for six years until I had my kids. As soon as my kids got old enough, I came back. I have been back 11 years now. I refused to give up when the times got hard. I just kept my head up and kept pouring my heart into it until I became chief. I will continue pouring my heart and soul into it to help the people in need. To me, there is no better feeling than knowing that I have given my all to help a stranger in need and my community when they need me the most. I have a total of 17 years in the fire service, and I hope I have many more years to go.

Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.

People don’t realize how much time goes into filling out paperwork for calls, training, and grants.

Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?

My mom and dad are why I am who I am today. They have always been there for me and showed me love and support in everything I did. They always told me to take that mentality with me on every call that I go on whether fires, wrecks, medical calls, and even my regular job. I try to put others before myself so I know they are taken care of even if I am not. I also owe part of putting others before myself to Becky Bayless. Becky would always pick me up every Monday night to take me to the fire department trainings/meetings. Becky would also swing by and pick me up on her way to a fire call so I could learn more on what I needed to do at a scene. I think Mom, Dad, and Becky have all inspired me to work hard, respect others, and to help other people when they need help the most.

Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.

I enjoy our family get-togethers. My family and all my brothers and their families go to my mom and dad’s for Thanksgiving. We catch up on each other’s daily lives, and of course, eat my mom’s dressing. After we all eat, we will pack up and go to deer camp. We will continue our tradition there and make many more memories.

What do you love most about the Four States area?

I love how everyone will come together when there is a disaster.

What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?

I have learned how life can change so quickly.

How would you like for others to remember you?

I hope they will remember me for my strength, courage, commitment, and the love I have for my family, friends, and community.

Feature Stories

Mandy Freeman | Duty. Honor. Community.