This week’s spotlight features Firefighter/EMT Jennifer Cottrell. Jen started her journey with District 1 in 2019. During her EMT course at the Wayne County Regional Fire Training facility in 2020 she met her husband and soon joined the Rittman Fire Department. Jen currently is an Intervention Specialist for 5th and 6th grade, previously a high school math teacher. Her passion to lead and teach others has given her a multitude of opportunities throughout the years. Excitingly, she recently accepted a Developmental Coach position at Summa Hospital and will start at the end of May.

Her favorite part of being a member on Rittman Fire is the teamwork and comradery. “It’s a group of people whom come together for the same mission.” She states her most memorable experience thus far with Rittman was a motor vehicle accident in which everyone worked seamlessly together. “I was proud to be a small part of the big picture that evening.”

She recalls a funny memory after a call one night where the crew went to a residence for a lift assist. Later that night she wasn’t able to find her Apple Watch. After searching for hours, she used her iPhone to track back to the scene of when she last had her watch, only to find it demolished in the middle of the road. “It’s a small loss in the end, guess I’ll get a tighter wrist band.”

Originally from Berlin, OH, Jen now lives in Rittman with her husband of 1 year Jessie Cottrell whom is also a member of the department. She has 3 step children- Hannah, 15, Hunter, 14, and Rachel, 12. The family has gained 3 puppies over the past year, Baker, Oakley, and Bailey. She enjoys spending time outdoors, attending sporting events, playing card and board games, and spending time with friends and family.

Jen’s advice for someone getting into the field: “Don’t wait to make the decision to get in this field. Work hard on your certifications and building relationships with others. The sky’s the limit.”

Jen and her team members pride themselves on the quality of care they provide for their patients. Join them at Rittman Fire and Rescue! https://www.rittmanfire.com/join/