Woman Becomes Firefighter for Department That Saved Her During 2016 Suicide Attempt: ‘There’s Always Help’

In 2016, Tenley Gillett attempted suicide, but her life was saved by local firefighters. She has now joined as a member.

“[I was] I just struggle a lot with where I belong — where I’m supposed to fit in — and it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life,” Gillett, now 30, tells PEOPLE.

In October, Gillett attended the department’s annual pinning ceremony, where she was officially sworn in as a member of the Manchester, New Hampshire Fire Department.

Gillett says what happened in 2016 is not why she wanted to become a firefighter. Instead, the 30-year-old, who is also in the US Army Reserves as a firefighter, says, “it just fell into place.”

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On the night of February 19, 2016, Gillett jumped into the Merrimack River after a gym session where she says she was “reprimanded” and told she was “not welcome there.”

“I was tired of feeling like I didn’t belong anywhere,” she says. Eventually, Gillett says she went over the edge and into the “freezing” water.

“I was very lucky that I didn’t hit any rocks,” she adds. “It was pretty low and I don’t know how long it took or anything, but I got out of the water and tried to yell, ‘Don’t call 911.’ Someone was standing there and I don’t think I said very well because I could barely speak. It was so cold.”

She hung onto the rocks as authorities – including firefighters from Manchester Fire Service – came to her rescue, first trying to lower a ladder to get to her. When that failed, they used boats and grabbed her.

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The avid CrossFitter, who now also owns a massage and wellness business, says she’s always been interested in some kind of service and “research work.”

She even had friends who were part of the fire department who tried to convince her to join for years. I said, ‘No, man. I’m too small. I don’t think it’s for me,’ recalls one of them.

Tenley Gillett with members of the Manchester 2021 Fire Brigade.

Tenley Gillett

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But she eventually began training and joined the reserves as a firefighter in July 2021. Tenley says she continued training and working toward certification, hoping to make applying to the Manchester Fire Department a more efficient hiring process. The department then officially hired her in September.

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Coming full circle meant a lot to the department and Chief Ryan Cashin.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Tenley,” Cashin said in a statement. “She has worked so hard to get where she is. She is truly an inspiration. The most basic job of a firefighter is to help people. Tenley is a perfect example of this, helping people on and off duty. We couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Gillett is currently on her “probationary year” and works “24 hours on three days off” while undergoing tests and more training — all to prove she’s earned her spot. He is also in an advanced EMT class, which he hopes to finish by March.

Despite her drive, the 30-year-old says she doesn’t see herself as “inspirational”.

“I never thought of myself as myself,” she explains. “I’m just trying to work hard.”

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She’s also grateful that her story has gained attention, seeing her resilience as a rallying cry for others who are struggling. Regardless of the circumstances, she says, “there is always help.”

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.

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Source: HIS Education