Warren Taylor Jr. understood that personal growth enhances not just the individual’s life but also the lives of their family, friends, and community. He was the driving force behind his granddaughter, Virginia Hamlett, always encouraging her to try new things, learn as much as she could, and tackle difficult challenges. Compelled by her grandfather’s battle with cancer, Hamlett initially pursued a degree in biomedical sciences. However, her career focus shifted during her sophomore year when she obtained her emergency medical technician (EMT) certification and discovered a passion for emergency services.
Although Taylor died in 2016 and didn’t live to see Hamlett graduate from Liberty University, his influence lives on. Today, it touches countless lives through the hands, heart, and service Hamlett extends in her work with the Lynchburg Fire Department.
At 26, Hamlett exemplifies the power of embracing change and following your passion.
“I began by volunteering with a local rescue squad and found my love for emergency services, she said.
This newfound passion led her to switch her major to public health.
“I continued volunteering while I finished out my degree and shortly later applied for the fire department Hamlett recalled. “It’s been 4 1/2 years now, and I wouldn’t change a single second of it. What started as a passion for medicine soon transitioned into an interest in firefighting as well.”
As a paramedic assigned to Medic 3 in an advanced life support capacity, she responds to medical and fire calls. Currently stationed at Fire Station 3, Hamlett’s days are filled with the unpredictable rhythm of emergency response. A typical shift starts at 7 a.m. with a thorough check of the ambulance and a briefing from the outgoing crew. By 7:30, she’s seated with her team for roll call, discussing the day’s training plans and any critical updates. From there, the crew inspects their designated apparatus, ensuring everything is ready for the day’s calls. The team eats lunch and dinner at the station between responses, bunking overnight on their 24-hour shifts, which end with the 7:30 a.m. shift change bell.
“No two days are the same,” Hamlett said. “That’s what I love about this job.”
Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field has its challenges, but Hamlett sees it as an opportunity for growth.
“Although not as common anymore, there is still a stereotype or connotation that women should not be in this field. Thankfully, this thought process is not as common anymore. However, I use it to fuel myself to continue to improve. This hard work and strong ethics for improvement benefit not only myself but my team as well,” she stated.
But the job comes with its share of emotional challenges. Hamlett recalled a particularly difficult period.
“This past year, we responded to a high number of critical medical calls involving children that seriously took a toll on our mental health.”
In these moments, she leans heavily on her faith, her family — both of her parents are in emergency medical services — and her colleagues for support. The Lynchburg Fire Department takes mental health seriously, offering counseling services, critical incident debriefings, and a peer support team.
“I’m lucky to have people so close to me understand what I’m going through. I grew closer to God during these times as well. Vulnerability in prayer and quiet time will bring more healing than most will give it credit for,” Hamlett shared.
Despite the challenges, the rewards of the job are immeasurable. While Hamlett rarely sees those she serves once their transport is complete or their fire emergency is resolved, she finds it encouraging when she hears feedback from the community — for example, a Facebook post in a local group thanking her and her partner for their service was particularly moving.
“It was heartwarming to see, especially after the difficult day we had,” she said. “To add to it, multiple people started commenting on the post, adding their own positive stories from previous medical responses I had been a part of. That post, and the comments associated with it, were so significant to me.”
Physical fitness is another crucial aspect of the job. The department employs an athletic trainer to aid firefighters in their health journey, and they have access to cardio machines and weights at the station. She prioritizes good nutrition and exercise on her off days, understanding the importance of being in top form for the job’s demands.
Hamlett, who gained all her fire training through the department’s recruit school, encourages women to consider a career in firefighting.
“If you have the drive to help people and the commitment to maintain this lifestyle, then you should go for it. Don’t let the lack of current knowledge stop you from reaching for something greater,” she encouraged.
What Hamlett finds most rewarding about serving the Lynchburg community is the trust people place in firefighters.
“We’re one of the only professions where people leave their doors unlocked for us and anxiously wait for our arrival,” she said. “That is something not to be taken lightly.”
Hamlett has found her calling. From those early days, inspired by her grandfather, to serving on the front lines of emergency response, she embodies the spirit of growth and service he instilled in her. With each call she answers and each life she touches, Hamlett carries forward a legacy of personal growth and community service that would make her grandfather proud.
Her love for the job shines through in every word.
“I love this job with all my heart. It’s a privilege to be able to serve the people of Lynchburg,” Hamlett said with conviction. “I love Lynchburg, the people that live in it, and I’m proud to serve it in whatever way I can.”
It’s a sentiment echoing her grandfather’s lessons, proving that the greatest growth often comes from serving others. GN
