First Responder Hannah McCarthy Goes From the Deerfield Fire Department to the US Naval Academy

Each week we salute a Central New York First Responder, the people willing to put their own well being on the line to help others. Often this person is a grizzled veteran who has been serving for years, but this week the spotlight shines on Hannah McCarthy. Hannah has been serving since she was 16 years old and just made the commitment of a lifetime.

Hannah joined the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company about three-and-a-half years ago. She trained to be an exterior firefighter and learned  how to battle a blaze from the interior of a building and survive with the New York State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control . Hannah also possesses EMT skills and serves with Edwards Ambulance Service.

While all those duties would keep anyone busy, Hannah did it while holding down two jobs and being a full-time student at Utica College where she studied biology. Proving her commitment to helping others, Hannah is a two-year member of the 100+ club, meaning she responded to more than 100 calls annually.

Hannah won't be returning to U.C. for a 2nd year and will fall short of the 100+ club this year, for a very good reason. She leaves for the Naval Academy on Monday (June 28). She'll spend four years studying chemistry, followed by five years of serving with the department. Now that's a commitment.

Hannah was nominated by her mom, Tammy McCarthy to be our First Responder of the week.

. I couldn't be more proud of what a dedicated hardworking person she is.

Mom we couldn't agree more. Hannah, thanks for your service in the Central New York Community and the commitment you have made to our country. Congratulations on being accepted at the Naval Academy, stay safe.

Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in Central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officers, military, rescuers, front line workers, or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday." We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them a Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.