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23-year-old named fire captain

Lonica Collins became the youngest serving female captain in West Australia volunteer firefighting history

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The West Australian

ESPERANCE, Australia — When Lonica Collins was approached to captain the Esperance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, she was a little hesitant.

“I was 20 ... I told (the former) captain he had to do another year and take me under his wing before I accepted to be nominated for the position,” she said.

In July 2014, after a year preparing for the role, Miss Collins became the youngest serving female captain in WA volunteer firefighting history. It’s a feat the now 23-year-old takes in her stride with a confidence, wisdom and caring well beyond her years.

Full story: Meet Esperance’s ‘First Lady’ of volunteer firefighters

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