A 25-year-old single mother, Teris Ieriko, was the recipient of the Female Firefighter Award during the International Firefighters Day celebration on Friday. 

She is from Manono, Safotu and Falelima in Savaii. However, she is currently residing in Siusega.

Terisa shared her two years of experience in the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority. She believes her job as a first responder is rewarding. 

"I started serving in SFESA in 2023. When I first started, it was very challenging. There were days when giving up crossed my mind, but I knew this was my purpose. This is how I will be able to give back to the community and my family who have stood by me through the highs and lows of life," she said while in tears. 

"As a first responder, it is very scary. When you are going out, you have to expect the unexpected. One of the scariest emergencies that I've ever been to was the motor vehicle accident at Malie. That struck me. Seeing someone lying there, knowing that it could have been your family or just someone you know that you are close to, is really scary. 

"Not only that, but when you are responding to an emergency call, all you feel is scared and nervous because you don't know what kind of problem you're going to walk into and you're not sure what might happen to you either. But nothing I can't handle, sometimes we just have to step out of our comfort zone and do what we have to do. This is my calling, and I have to put myself out there to save lives."

Terisa keeps going because of her three children. They give her a purpose and a reason to go to work every day. She hopes that one day, when they grow up, they will be able to serve and give back to the community like she is doing.

"It doesn't matter what field they choose to pursue when they grow up, as long as they are able to give back to the community. They see what I do every day as a first responder and I hope I can inspire them to do just that, give back to the community and not just think about themselves," she said. 

"Going out there and save lives, properties and other things is such a great feeling. It takes a lot of courage to be a firefighter and a first respondent but be yourself. Take one step at a time and you will get there. Through the highs and the lows know that God will always be there through it all."