Shaunna Purkey, Firefighter III

Firefighter Shaunna Purkey is a proud member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), serving the residents of South Los Angeles from Fire Station 21. Purkey comes from a long line of firefighters, as her maternal grandfather was a volunteer firefighter. Before joining the LAFD, Purkey was a physical education teacher for elementary students with special needs in Rosamond, CA. In addition to her passion for teaching, she was also a collegiate softball player and a high school softball coach.

Her journey to become a firefighter began when one of her softball coaches, who was also a captain in the Kern County Fire Department, encouraged her to apply. Purkey visited his fire station and was immediately drawn to the fast-paced environment, team spirit, and comradery. She left her teaching and coaching career behind, but her desire to help young people never faded.

Purkey joined the LAFD in 2019 and less than a year after completing her rookie probationary period, she was named the Cadet Post Advisor at Fire Station 21. The Cadet Program allows teens and young adults to shadow and train alongside firefighters. This vital community program helps participants develop confidence, teamwork, and life skills to succeed in their future endeavors. It also doubles as an invaluable recruiting pipeline by cultivating future generations of LAFD firefighters.

Since September 2022, Purkey has held weekly training sessions for her cadre of cadets. Coincidentally, all the members of her group are young ladies from neighboring communities. Purkey blends the LAFD curriculum with lessons from her experience as a teacher and athlete to address real-world challenges and life skills.

“Not all of them will pursue a career with the LAFD. But they’re learning incredible life skills alongside my fellow crew members and me,” shared Purkey. Thanks to this program, no matter what path these girls pursue, they’ll have great friends and mentors behind them.”

Firefighter Purkey’s dedication to her station and Cadet Post duties illustrate how even new department members can have an immediate and lasting impact.

“Although I’m still learning and finding my stride, I’m committed to this cause 100%. My motto is you may see me struggle, but you will never see me quit.”

In her free time, Purkey enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including learning the piano, hiking, backpacking, and dirt bike riding. She is also a semi-professional motocross racer, competing with the Women's Motocross Association. Her dedication to both her work and her passions truly sets her apart as a role model for all.