Schuylerville High School senior Sierra Fountaine has earned an impressive array of accolades for her exceptional service as a firefighter with the Victory Mills Fire Department. At just 18 years old, she received four top honors: Most Improved Firefighter, Firefighter of the Year, Top Responder, and a New York State Assembly Citation presented by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.
Fountaine’s journey into public service began in 2020, when she joined the junior firefighter program at age 14. In that role, she focused on training and community fundraising. By 2022, at age 16, Fountaine was officially voted in as a firefighter and began responding to emergency calls, primarily providing scene support and exterior operations. In 2025, she was voted in as Second Lieutenant and logged approximately 400 response hours, topping the department’s list of most active responders.
“I feel really proud,” said Fountaine. “To be one of the youngest in the department and to be trusted to manage calls and run scenes—it means a lot.”
In addition to her firehouse leadership, Fountaine is also pursuing emergency medical training. She began her EMT certification in October 2024 and completed internships with both Wilton EMS and Saratoga Fire. After graduation, her goal is to enroll in paramedic training at Hudson Valley Community College, and ultimately be selected for the Utica Training Academy full-time.