Pursuing a Passion

Katie Jo Benitz graduated from high school in 2021. Now she is one of the newest trainees at the Yakima Fire Department in Yakima, WA. She got inspired to join this field because of her mother – Captain Bonnie Rogers.⁠ +⁠ “Everything my mom has done for us, as a single mother with three kids, going through this field and progressing so well so far in her career, has been so inspiring,” Katie commented.⁠ +⁠ Their paths as firefighters have not crossed until Katie was called to battle the Cow Canyon wildfire in Selah, WA, in August. Later on that particular day, Bonnie was also called to Cow Canyon. There they met as coworkers for the first time.⁠ +⁠ “Everyone should pursue their passion. But I also want other women to know you can do this job. With hard work and determination, it is absolutely possible, and being able to serve is an esteemed honor,” Bonnie added.⁠ –⁠ h/t: GMA⁠ Photo: Bonnie Rogers⁠