Firefighting is a physically challenging job. In the midst of high heat, heavy gear and strenuous lifting, firefighters have the most important job of all — saving lives and preventing harm to others.  

Lancaster Fire Department (LFD) firefighters and paramedics Carlie Goodchild, Meryah McDonald and Kaylee Eber understand the demands of the job. But last year, runs looked a little different for the three women; they each went through pregnancy on the force.  

Between April and September, Goodchild, McDonald and Eber gave birth to three healthy baby boys and are now back to work at the three fire stations under LFD jurisdiction.  

“It’s possible to have it all,” Eber says.  

Kaylee Eber pictured with her uniform. | Photo by Olivia Trowbridge 

She and Goodchild were on active duty with LFD until their uniforms no longer fit. About four months into their pregnancies, they switched to light duty, when firefighters are unable to work on the truck for a multitude of reasons. 

“I have my inspector card, and I was trained as a community paramedic,” Goodchild says. “I rode around with gentlemen from our fire inspector Bureau on inspections.”  

McDonald worked in LFD’s downtown office throughout her pregnancy due to medical complications. 

Motherhood gave the women a unique perspective they didn’t have before.  

“I would just treat [a pediatric run] like a patient. Now, I treat it like my kid,” McDonald says. Pediatric runs are cases where children need emergency medical services from firefighters.   

Firehouse Park in Lancaster. | Photo by Olivia Trowbridge

Eber’s daughter attends St. Mary Elementary School, where recess is held at Firehouse Park, which is directly connected to LFD.  

“It’s just a different pride watching your kids watch you and what you do for a living,” Eber says, as she’s able to observe her child while working on the force. 

Beyond fighting fire, 86% of LFD’s 11,000 runs last year were emergency medical service runs. Those types of cases provide emergency medical treatment for the public, usually alongside ambulance and paramedic services. In this profession, firefighters know the reality of loss; it’s a physical sacrifice in the face of danger.  

“On my shift, we will sit at the table and talk about it,” Goodchild says. “We’ll check up on each other the next day.”  

Goodchild also says LFD is working to make the peer support team more present in the department. 

“You’ve got to hug the babies tight, every chance you get. You have to love on them as much as you can, because life can change in an instant,” Goodchild says. 

In a traditionally male-dominated profession, women stand as a testament that they have a place in any field.  

“Don’t let anything stop you. If that’s what you want to do, pursue it,” Goodchild says. “We know it’s an example for young girls out there.”   

Humble and devoted to their jobs, the women joked about their own newsworthiness.  

“Just another day,” Eber says.