Kinsman native makes history on Cortland FD

Sophia Minor is first woman to earn full-time firefighter spot

KINSMAN -- On March 20, Sophia Minor, 23, was sworn in as the fist full-time woman firefighter to serve the city of Cortland.

But Minor said she didn't strive for that distinction -- it just fell into place.

Born in Warren, but raised in Kinsman, Minor attended a Kinsman Township trustees meeting in mid-2019 and leaned the fire department was in need of volunteers. Minor had graduated high school a just a year earlier. She was trying to figure out what she wanted to do, and the opportunity to volunteer for her local fire department piqued her interest.

From there, Minor enrolled in University Hospital Geneva's emergency medical technician program, which she completed in December 2019.

"I really liked the (emergency medical services) training, then I went to fire school and the rest was history," Minor said.

By December 2020, Minor had completed her firefighter level one certification at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center and began working part-time at the Cortland Fire Department and the Kinsman Fire Department.

Just a few months later, in the spring of 2021, Minor completed her firefighter level two certification at MCCTC, which is required to be a full-time firefighter in Ohio. Also at this time, Minor found out she had been accepted into University Hospital Geneva's paramedic program.

Over the next year, Minor worked hard to complete the paramedic course, and was the class salutatorian. In January, with various classes, trainings and certifications under her belt, Minor applied for an open full-time position in Cortland.

During her interview, one of the fire captains told her that she had proved herself to him.

"That meant a lot to me," Minor said.

Not only is Minor the only woman working full-time or part-time at the Cortland Fire Department right now, she also is one of the youngest. She said that hasn't been an issue.

She said people like when new energy comes in, as long as the younger employees are doing their job and pulling their weight. The veteran employees are always there to help, which Minor said she appreciates.

"I really like the atmosphere here," Minor said. "Everyone is really friendly and supportive."

In the future, Minor said she wants to go back to school and get a degree that would help her in her career. She said some of her colleagues are taking officer classes and fire science classes online.

She said she hasn't looked too much into it yet, but thinks such classes will help her gain confidence in her work.

In the meantime, Minor has continued her education by earning certificates.

She recently earned a hazmat technician certification and is working on confined-space training, where she is learning how to rescue people who are stuck in small spaces.

"I want to get better overall and improve," Minor said. "I don't necessarily see myself doing a different career, but there are a lot of certifications I can add on. I think furthering my education will help me to become the best first responder I can be."

Minor works 24-hour shifts in Cortland, with 48 hours off in between. In her off time, she keeps busy working part-time at the Champion and Johnston fire departments.

Minor still lives in Kinsman. When she is not fighting fires or spending time at one of the stations, she enjoys getting outside and hiking or going for a bike ride. Growing up, she said her family went camping a couple times a year.

She also enjoys going to karaoke with her friends and singing with her sister, who Minor admits is the better singer. She said they like singing "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood.

Minor has three sisters. All of them were homeschooled growing up, which Minor said she really enjoyed because it was relaxed and allowed her to follow her interests.

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