(MIAMI, November 18, 2013) – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) is proud to welcome its first female Air Rescue Pilot, Kalynn Cresse. This accomplished 25-year-old joined the crew of elite pilots that fly the Bell 412EP MDFR Air Rescue helicopter.

Pilot Cresse started flying helicopters at the age of 18, financing her way through ground school flight training, the fire academy obtaining a State of Florida Firefighter Certification, and becoming licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the resolve to become a part of the MDFR family. With more than 2,000 hours of logged flight time, she is excited for the unique opportunities the position brings. 

“It’s about hard work and perseverance,” she said. “Being a girl never had an impact on the decisions I have made in my life. I feel it is because of this that no one ever perceived me as someone who couldn’t do it.”

For media availability, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.