Hopewell Fire & EMS appoints woman as captain for first time ever

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- A medic with over a decade of experience has made history as the first woman to become a captain with Hopewell Fire & EMS.

Hopewell's Amber Hamel has been appointed to the role of EMS Captain -- making her the first-ever woman to hold a captaincy since Hopewell Fire & EMS was founded over 100 years ago, according to a June 25 press release from the city.

"I’m honored to take on this new challenge,” Hamel said in the release. “I look forward to continuing to grow our EMS Division and helping both our firefighters and medics reach their fullest potential, so we can provide the best service possible to the citizens of Hopewell."

Hamel has over a decade of field experience, according to the city. She previously served with the Southside Emergency Crew in Petersburg for five years.

EMS Captain Amber Hamel, the first-ever woman to be appointed a captain at Hopewell Fire & EMS. (Photo: City of Hopewell)

Prior to that, she was one of the first Advanced Life Support (ALS) firefighters Hopewell ever hired.

"This promotion not only recognizes Captain Hamel’s leadership and dedication but also symbolizes a broader step forward in the department’s evolution and commitment to inclusion, excellence and progress," the city said.