Testimony
Meet The Founders & Mentors
Marina Tricarico, West Metro Fire
My name is Marina Tricarico and I am a firefighter/EMT at West Metro Fire Rescue. I have been a West Metro firefighter for almost 3 years, but prior to that, I volunteered at a mountain department for 3 years.
I graduated from MSU Denver in 2019, with a Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology and a Minor in Human Nutrition. One of my favorite things about being a firefighter is being able to have an active job where I have to stay in shape in order to perform my job duties to my best ability.
In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike, hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, doing crafts, reading, and cuddling with my 2 dogs. I am so excited to be a part of Camp Ember, where I hope to inspire young women to challenge themselves and realize that they can do anything that they set their mind to.
Makayla Keith, Arvada Fire
Hi there! My name is Makayla Keith and I have been an Arvada firefighter/EMT for a year and a half now.
When I was in high school, I met and became friends with a female firefighter at the CrossFit gym I went to, who told me to check out Warren Tech’s fire science program. As a result of that program, I was introduced to Camp Ember as a senior in high school. This line of work was something that interested me, but it wasn’t until after Camp Ember that I knew I really wanted to pursue it. It has been the best decision I have ever made. I am blessed to say that I love my job and the people I work with. Every week I look forward to going to work and seeing what the day will hold.
In my off time, I am a CrossFit coach and health lifestyle enthusiast. I still play soccer after 10 years of competitive play. My newfound love is mountain biking and endurance running (training for my first marathon in May 2025!). If you ask me to do anything that involves cappuccinos, banana water, chocolate, a dance party, or traveling the world, I’ll be there.
I am here to create a fun and empowering atmosphere for Campers and to hopefully spark our future generations of young women, as the women who came before me have done for me.
Lakota Beckhorn, West Metro Fire
I’m Lakota and I was just hired on with West Metro Fire Rescue in March of 2016. Firefighting embraces much of what is important to me – helpful and kind service to others, a team dynamic, getting to work with my hands, and a physical challenge.
I have a Degree in Anthropology from NCSU and a diverse work history ranging from special education to industrial construction.
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Outside of fire I am an athlete, adventurer, and traveler. Rugby is my first love, as I have played competitively for 12 years. The sport requires a unique blend of strength, endurance, diversity, and respect which I am grateful has shaped my character. I am also a Tri-Athlete – I’ll be doing my second Half Ironman in June 2017. I love backpacking (I actually came off of the Appalachian Trail after 350 miles to get my position at West Metro). I’m game for just about anything active and outdoors – especially if I can bring my dog, Slick!
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I am extremely honored to be working with Camp Ember. I look forward to working with you all to embrace and enjoy new challenges, no matter what they may be
Brooke Elder, Arvada Fire
I've been in the fire service for 7 years and a paramedic for 6. I'm a FF/Paramedic at Arvada Fire Protection District.
I graduated from CSU with a Biology degree and worked in breast cancer research for 6 years. I decided to pursue a career in the fire service after an incredible crew helped my family in an emergency. I wanted to provide that kind of kindness, support and service to others. I love my job. I love the eclectic nature of it, my amazing, fun and caring coworkers, the physical aspects and providing care and service to citizens.
I have two incredible kids who are kind, funny, sarcastic and adventurous. I am a better person because of their love, encouragement and just plain awesomeness. I like exploring with my kids, world travel, mountain biking and rafting as much as possible, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, reading, yoga, all poetry by John Keats and Pablo Neruda, Indian food, buttercream frosting, cross fit (except for double unders), dogs, 90's hip hop, tattoos and crosswords.
I'm honored to be a part of Camp Ember and can't wait to meet the 16 extraordinary young women.
Marissa Gettman, South Metro Fire
My name is Marissa Gettman and I am currently an Engineer Medic with South Metro Fire (formerly known as Littleton Fire Rescue). I have been a paid firefighter for 11 years and a medic for 7.
I never knew I wanted to be a part of the fire service coming from a small farm town in eastern Colorado. I didn't have exposure to this fantastic job (other than the yearly small town parade) until I had the opportunity to attend Women in the Fire Service Convention in downtown Denver. Women from all over the state came to show their knowledge and love for the fire service. I was officially SOLD!
I have made my way from a volunteer department to the second largest department in the state. It's been quite and ride and I love every minute of what I do!
