When the alarm sounds in Eagan, a team of highly trained firefighters rushes into action, ready to handle whatever the day—or night—brings. Among them are three remarkable women who have turned their passion for service into a career: Assistant Chief Jessica Hoffman and firefighters Danielle Fasching and Natalie Holter.
Their paths to the fire station may be different, but their purpose is the same—to help, to protect, and to make a difference when it matters most. From childhood inspirations to unexpected career shifts, each of them found their way to firefighting through a unique journey, proving that courage and dedication know no gender.
A Call to Serve
For Jessica, firefighting was always about making an impact. “I wanted a career where I could help people in crisis while serving my community,” she shares. With ten years at the Eagan Fire Department, she’s done just that, responding to everything from medical emergencies to car accidents and fire calls..
Danielle grew up around the fire station, watching her father serve on the Plymouth Fire Department. “I got to help wash the trucks after they returned from a fire, and that was pretty awesome,” she recalls. “But what really stuck with me was knowing they were out there helping people.” Inspired by that, she followed in his footsteps.
Natalie’s path took a different route. She originally considered nursing, but found herself drawn to the physical and mental challenge of fire service after discovering a fire science program in college. “I didn’t even realize this was a career option for women where I grew up,” she says. “Now, I love that we can be role models for future generations.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Every job comes with its own set of challenges and victories, but firefighting takes those stakes to another level. The work is physically demanding, requiring strength, endurance, and the ability to push through exhaustion. The risk of injury is ever-present, whether from rushing into a burning building, lifting heavy equipment, or navigating hazardous conditions. Beyond the physical toll, there’s the emotional weight of the job—firefighters are often the first on the scene in life-or-death situations, witnessing trauma that can stay with them long after the call ends. Fatigue, stress, and the mental burden of responding to emergencies day after day are all part of the reality of the profession.
Jessica emphasizes the unpredictability of the job. “We never know what the next call will bring, so we have to be prepared for anything.” That level of readiness requires constant training and an ability to think quickly under pressure.
For Danielle, physical strength was an initial concern. “I’m smaller, so I have to rely on teamwork and different techniques to get the job done,” she explains. “But adrenaline kicks in when you need it.” Firefighting isn’t about brute strength alone—it’s about strategy, communication, and working as a unit to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Natalie shares the emotional toll. “Some calls can be tough—ones that remind us of our own families. It can be hard to shake those moments, but there’s more awareness now and more resources available to help us process them.” The culture around mental health in fire service has shifted, offering more support than ever before.
But for those who put on the gear and answer the call, the triumphs outweigh the hardships. The most rewarding moments can be life-changing—pulling someone from danger, providing critical care in a medical emergency, or simply offering comfort in someone’s worst moment. “Helping people at their worst moments and making their day just a little better—it doesn’t get more meaningful than that,” says Danielle. Firefighting is more than a job; it’s a commitment to showing up for the community, no matter what the day—or night—brings.
More Than Just Fires
While Hollywood may make firefighting look like constant flames and heroics, the reality is a little different. “About 70% of our calls are medical emergencies,” Jessica explains. “The rest are accidents, fire alarms, hazardous materials, rescues, and fires.”
With that in mind, the team is passionate about fire prevention and safety. “A few simple precautions can make all the difference,” Jessica says.
Here are their top safety tips for homeowners:
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Close Before You Doze: Sleeping with your bedroom door closed could potentially have a life-saving impact during a fire by slowing the spread, reducing toxic smoke levels, improving oxygen levels, and decreasing the temperature.
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Test Your Alarms: Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms need to be tested regularly, have their batteries changed twice a year and replaced when recommended by the manufacturer.
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Keep the Kitchen Safe: Never store anything on top of the stove, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby. If a grease fire starts, never use water to put it out. Finally, never leave your cooking unattended.
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Know the Stats: Cooking was the leading cause of home fires in 2022. In 2023, a U.S. fire department responded to a fire somewhere in the country every 23 seconds.
Fire safety doesn’t stop at having working smoke alarms. The American Red Cross recommends creating a fire escape plan and practicing it twice a year with all household members. Knowing two ways out of each room and having a designated meeting spot outside can save lives in an emergency. If a fire breaks out, get out, stay out, and call for help—never go back inside for anything or anyone.
Additional precautions can further reduce fire risks:
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Be mindful of heating equipment. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, and other heat sources.
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Practice electrical safety. Don’t overload outlets, replace frayed wires, and never run cords under rugs or furniture.
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If you smoke, do so outside. Never smoke in bed or leave lit cigarettes unattended.
Interested in Firefighting? Here’s How to Get Started
For those considering a career in fire service, the Eagan Fire Department offers opportunities to learn more. “We do station visits and some ride-alongs for those interested in the fire service,” Jessica says. “If joining a paid-on-call department in your community is an option, it is another great way to get experience and training.”
Most importantly, the department is a welcoming place for those ready to take on the challenge. “Eagan Fire has always been supportive of everyone who walks through the door,” Jessica shares. “It’s a department built by great men and women, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Whether they’re responding to emergencies, educating the public, or inspiring the next generation of firefighters, Jessica, Danielle, and Natalie prove every day that dedication, resilience, and heart are at the core of their work. And for Eagan, that’s something worth celebrating.
"Some calls stick with you. They remind you of your own loved ones. But knowing we’re making a difference—that’s what keeps us going." – Natalie Holter, Eagan Firefighter