Bethany Perkins is a Montgomery County EMS Provider Master and Staff Lieutenant at the Glen Echo Fire Department. She has been with the department since 2021 and fulfills her operational duties as a driver (A1), charge aide (A2), and UTV driver and operator. Lieutenant Perkins leads GEFD’s training team and oversees training for both probationary and minimum staffing members. She is an irreplaceable member of this department, and we are thrilled to feature her for April 2026’s Member of the Month spotlight!

Why did you choose GEFD?
I moved to Washington D.C. for college from a small town in Vermont and was looking for a way to connect with the community and give back in a meaningful and consistent way. I joined MCFRS in 2019, right before COVID hit.

At the time, I was nannying for a family in the Glen Echo area, and I fell in love with the community. It felt close-knit and welcoming in a way that reminded me of home. One of my first experiences with the department was participating in our annual Santa Runs, and it really solidified that feeling. Seeing families out waving and kids running outside, excited to see Santa and our apparatus, was invigorating. It showed me how connected the department is to the people it serves.

Transferring to GEFD was an easy decision in 2021. I wanted to serve a community I felt connected to and give back to the people in it.

What is your favorite memory at GEFD?
I have never been great at choosing a favorite, but as the training lead, some of the most rewarding parts of my role are watching our probationary members grow and succeed. Seeing them knock it out of the park on their final drills and confidently transition to riding for calls as charge aid is something I take a lot of pride in.

Beyond those moments, the people truly make this work so meaningful. I have made almost all of my closest friends through the fire department. I have met some of the most wonderful people I would have never crossed paths with, and I am grateful they are in my life every day. Shout out to Monday Crew! We work hard, we support each other, and we also know how to have fun. They make me want to keep showing up even on hard days.

What is your favorite part of being an EMT?
From a young age, I have always asked the question: What can I do to help? Every 911 call presents a situation that requires critical thinking. We cannot solve every problem we encounter, but we do our best to understand them and respond in the most effective way possible.

What I find most meaningful is being able to support people in moments of uncertainty and often some of the scariest situations of their life and provide both care and reassurance. It is a role that constantly challenges you to think, adapt, and show up for others, whether that be your patient or your crew.

What would you tell anyone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer first responder?
I joined the fire rescue service at 19, and on every single call, I still find something I could improve on or do differently. On the Monday night crew, we make it a point to reflect after each call on what we did well, what we can do better, and how we can continue to grow as individuals and as a team.

The role requires a growth mindset and a strong work ethic. It will challenge you in ways you may not expect. There are sleepless nights, calls you’ll never forget, and situations that are out of your control. Being a first responder can be a thankless job at times, so your motivation has to come from a genuine desire to help others and serve your community.

If that resonates with you, I would absolutely encourage you to take the leap!

What is your favorite skill to perform/call type to respond to?
My favorite calls to respond to are psychiatric emergencies. I believe one of my strongest attributes is my ability to communicate and create calm, safe, and supportive environments.

This call type does not follow a clear step-by-step protocol like many others. They require quick thinking and adaptability to meet patients where they are without causing additional distress. This is something I find both challenging and rewarding.

Whether it’s taking the time to listen to a patient with suicidal ideations or hallucinations, helping someone feel safe in an unstable environment, or connecting patients with the County resources they need, I believe these small actions can make a lasting impact. I do my best to approach every patient with this mindset and know that even if I cannot fix the problem, I can still make a meaningful impact.

Thank you, Lieutenant Perkins, for your hard work and dedication to the Glen Echo Fire Department!