Clayton Fire Department’s Meet Us Monthly Feature – October 2024
It is the first Monday of October, which means we are recognizing another valued member of our team during #MeetUsMonthly.
Firefighter Rena Smith-Seitz has eight years of experience as an emergency responder, spending the last four with the Clayton Fire Department. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in fire service leadership with an emphasis in public administration.
Originally from Arkansas, Smith-Seitz is a second-generation firefighter. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in military science and homeland security, she becomes a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) and works with Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines before accepting a full-time position in fire service. Smith-Seitz says it was a great transitional fit. “I really like being a firefighter because whenever I come into work, it’s something different every day. I’m not stuck in the office, and it’s literally something different every single day.”
Another aspect of the job that she enjoys is honing her skills through additional training. “We get to do classes for our continuing education, so we’re learning new things – getting out and getting hands on things. We get to talk to the public, and my favorite part is getting to talk to little kids, especially little girls, about being a firefighter.”
Outside of work, Smith-Seitz likes to spend time with family, including her stepdaughter and dog. She also relishes reading historical fiction or mystery books and heading to the beach.