Spark Spotlight - First Responder Amanda Govern
Amanda Govern is a devoted Wife, Mom of 4, and a Paramedic with over 20 years of EMS experience. She has also taken in multiple children over the years through adoption and foster care programs, and continues to be an advocate for those children and others in need. Amanda currently holds the position of Director of Emergency Services for 1-800-BoardUp of Asheville where she serves most of WNC as a victim advocate and resource for those who suffer an emergency that may displace them from their home or business, and she continues to work as a Paramedic at Polk County EMS. She is a fire wife as her husband is a Battalion Chief at Glassy Mountain Fire Dept and also a Fire Mom with her oldest son now entering the Fire and EMS world as well. Amanda also serves on the Board of Directors for Only Hope WNC, a 501c(3) nonprofit that targets homeless and at-risk youth here in Western N.C. assisting with their needs. She also is an active member of the advisory board of Henderson County Heroes, another local non profit that helps serve our local first responders in their times of need. She enjoys her countless hours spent raising money and awareness for those organizations along with Firefighter Cancer Support Network, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, F.O.O.L.S., and the IAFC!
1. How long have you been in your position?
I started in Emergency Services in 2002. Starting out as an EMT and quickly advancing to an EMT-I. I worked for a short period of time in Buncombe County where I was born and raised. I remained at that level for several years, working and volunteering and learning more about Emergency Services, in Henderson County while I obtained my Paramedic! I have worked in some capacity in Polk County since 2007 where I still work as a Paramedic part time. I even spent some time in the 911 Comm Center in Rutherford Co. where I was able to expand my knowledge and skills even more from a different angle of Emergency Services. I was blessed in early 2020 during the peak of the COVID pandemic to take a position as The Director of Emergency Services for 1-800-Boardup of Asheville, where I now serve the first responders and victims facing tragic situations that displace them from their homes or businesses, such as structure fires, trees that fall on structures, vehicle impacts, biohazard clean up and more.
2. What initially caused you to become interested in pursuing a career in emergency services?
I originally started my career in EMS and emergency services just because I enjoyed the idea of the medical field, but wanted to be there in someone’s real time of need. Over time it has transitioned to not just helping others, but helping my own “family” the family of first responders who risk everything to help others!
3. What is important to you in your job?
Making an impact that can change a life. Sometimes it isn’t about what people think of when they see first responders as a “HERO” sometimes it is holding a hand during someone’s last moments of life, sometimes it’s a hug for a grieving family member, or giving a stuffed animal to a child who just lost everything they owned in a structure fire. It is just what we do as first responders!
4. What is your favorite thing about your job?
The best part of my job is seeing a patient I treated recovered from whatever medical emergency or trauma event they were facing at the time! Seeing them get one more day with their family! Now in my new roll with 1-800-Boardup of Asheville it is also seeing families back in their home after having to live somewhere else during the rebuilding process.
5. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
It may sound crazy - but just getting a “Thank You” is what is most rewarding, and seeing someone you helped hit a huge life milestone that they may not have had the chance to hit without the services you provided!
6. What do you want Spark readers to know about you?
I am not just a first responder, yes I am a Paramedic, I am The Director of Emergency Services for 1-800-Boardup of Asheville! BUT I am also a born and raised Western North Carolinian, I am a daughter, a sister, a Fire wife and Fire Mom, a busy Mom to 4 great kids who also stay active in their communities.
7. What do you recommend to other young women who would like to get into emergency services?
Use your resources, there are so many opportunities out there on ways to get started but building your “family” or “tribe” of not only strong women in emergency services but men too who are willing to teach you, encourage you and be your support system. Emergency Services regardless of if it is Fire / Law Enforcement / EMS / Rescue / Communications or any other avenue you may find is not easy and we face things most people can’t imagine. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance/ help and encouragement along the way when you hit those hard times and challenges. It’s how you come out on the other side that matters and your “family” will support you in the hard times and celebrate in the victories!
