Firefighter fulfills dream after crash that killed boyfriend
By Briana Smith
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WEST WHITELAND, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — After more than 170 grueling hours of training and tests, Emily Gindele graduated from the entry-level firefighter program as a West Whiteland Fire Company volunteer firefighter on Wednesday night.
“I never thought I would see this day,” said the 26-year-old from Exton, Pa. “I’m so excited I can finally do it. After the accident, I was definitely kind of hopeless and thought that I would never get to this point, but I’m here. I did it, and I worked really hard to get here.”
It’s a miraculous dream come true for Gindele after a car crash left her critically injured and killed her boyfriend, 25-year-old Colin Reedy, two years ago.
Both of the volunteer firefighters were responding to a call at the time.
“It was hard. I went through a lot. My body went through a lot. I still feel pain every day. I still have cognitive issues,” said Gindele.
Despite her brain injury, broken bones, stroke and heartache, Gindele wanted to prove to herself she could accomplish her original goal.
“I did everything that I could to be like everybody else,” said Gindele.
Gindele’s parents beamed with pride as they watched her cross the stage, saying firefighting is her calling.
“She persevered and she got through this, and we’re thrilled she can pursue her dream,” said her father, Mark Gindele.
“I think she just wanted to finish what she started, and I’m just glad she’s here with us,” said her mother, Fran Gindele.
Reedy’s parents showed their support, too.
“I know that he (Colin) would be cheering. He would be screaming, ‘Come on Em. Go Em.’ I just, I could hear it in the background,” said Tracy Reedy, who is Colin’s mother.
And Colin’s not too far, as Gindele wore his Mass card in her hat, and he’s forever in her heart.
“Colin would be so proud of me,” said Gindele. “I’m really excited to see where my life goes, and I feel like I haven’t been able to say that in a really long time.”
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