Meet your Carlton Firefighters!

In our "Meet The Firefighters" series, our next installment will feature one of our up-and-coming Firefighters! Completing probationary status requires several hours of live scene experience, attendance minimums, and countless specific training operations attended, which is no easy feat! She has always given 100% effort and has ended up working through some pretty crazy scenes in the department!

For our next installment, we'd like to introduce you to Jewels Lucas!

Jewels (pictured far left) while performing S&R operations.

A little get to know me: "Hi, I'm Jewels Lucas. I'm currently attending Tarleton University, majoring in Health Sciences, intending to become a flight nurse in the future. I'm planning to attend EMT school with some of the other CVFD firefighters soon, with the hopes of expanding my medical knowledge. I have only been in the department for a little over a year; however, I have learned a great deal about being a firefighter during that time. I have always had a love for helping others, and the Fire Department has given me an immediate way to actually make a difference and help those in need."

As always, we've asked our firefighters a series of questions that are a little more specific to the fire service industry.

Jewels, center-right, front row at a CVFD Fundraising event.

What initially inspired you to become a firefighter?

I wanted to try something that was out of my comfort zone, as well as to gain some experience as a first responder.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for firefighters, both mentally and physically?

Mentally, knowing that it's almost always a life-or-death situation. Physically, not knowing your limits and pushing yourself too hard.

In your opinion, what are the most important qualities that a firefighter must possess?

Having a dark sense of humor, obviously. But also being able to adapt quickly, be willing to learn, and be selfless.

How have you prepared for the rigorous demands of this job?

We have training at the Fire Department, online classes, and learning things on the scene with more experienced firefighters.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the fire service today?

Not enough funding for the departments, and crappy pay for firefighters.

In your time as a firefighter, what do you hope to achieve?

Learning to get out of my comfort zone and do things that require risk.

Jewels, pictured putting out a wet line on a large grass fire.

Firefighter Jewels Lucas has been a dedicated member since December 2024. During this time, she has worked on several incidents, from fires to wrecks to everything in between. Jewels was part of the responding crew for the Hill Country Floods. She is currently enrolled in EMT School and plans to continue working as a first responder indefinitely. She has been involved in several fundraising events and has completed countless hours of training, both online and in-person exercises. Jewels has recently become one of our top responders, missing very few events/calls, and was even named "Firefighter of the Year" for 2025. Firefighter Jewels has been an intrinsic part of the fire department, and we've been lucky to have her on board! Aside from being a firefighter, she's also the main photographer for the Department (which is why there aren't many pictures of her!)

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Hudson Skaggs: "Jewels has a lot of dedication and has shown up to the majority of the calls. She has shown lots of courage and has earned everyone's respect in the department."

Carlton VFD Senior Advisor, Ally Allen: "I admire Jewels' positive attitude, perseverance, and her strength in adversity."

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Luke Barr: "She is always bringing up the mood and is very considerate, always doing whatever is asked of her. She responds to almost every scene nowadays and always shows up for everything."

Carlton VFD Fire Chief, Drew Barr: "Jewels busts her ass just as much as anyone else. She shows up for almost every call, works herself half to death, and does it all with a smile on her face. Her positive attitude always boosts the mood of all personnel, even from other mutual aid departments."