Mandy Terry

July 2025 Issue
photography by Lindsay Gifford

 

Mandy Terry

Current Residence:
Port Wentworth, Ga

Hometown: Anderson, SC

Career: Senior Firefighter/Paramedic; Jasper County Fire Rescue

Family: 3 wonderful boys; Caleb & Jacob, 22; Cooper, 11; Daughter-In-Law Kaylee married to Jacob; My significant other: Mike

Favorite Hobby/Passion:
My favorite thing in the world is laughing and making people laugh. It’s not necessarily a hobby, but it’s a passion and love. Sitting on the porch or around a fire laughing with my friends and family is even better!

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career?
I chose EMS (Emergency Management Services) because it brings something different every day. I never go into work and have the exact same thing as the day before or even the week before. It can be fast-paced, and it forces me to think and act quickly. At this department, we rotate between the ambulance and the fire engine. All of us have to be knowledgeable and know both sides. One day I might be assigned to the medic unit, the next day I’m on the engine. This keeps things even more interesting. I’m never bored, there’s always something to do—running calls, training, completing reports, learning something new, reviewing what I’ve learned, cleaning the apparatus or station, the list goes on and on.

What do you love most about it?
I love that I get to help people and be there for them on some of their worst days. I know how cliche that sounds, but it’s true. When someone calls 911, it’s typically a stressful, upsetting time for them. To be able to show up, help, and hopefully make that stressful time a little easier makes it worth it. I also love the fact that on one call you might be fighting a fire or cutting someone out of a car, and the next call, you might be assisting in the delivery of a baby or doing something as small as just helping someone get up after they have fallen because they are simply too weak to do it on their own. You never know what’s next, and you have to be as prepared as possible for anything.

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
Always be aware of your surroundings. We get complacent in daily tasks and places we go, and we have a million things on our mind at once, but being alert and aware of surroundings is so important.

Tell us more about what gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue your passion?
I hold a bachelor’s degree in human services and resources, and many years ago, I worked for the Department of Mental Health in Anderson, SC, for several years working with children. After moving to the Lowcountry, I did a couple different jobs but none that were something I could do long term. So, I decided to get into EMS. I have always enjoyed the medical field; it interests me and offers job security. I was a single mom at the time, and knew this would give me job security and room to grow. There are different avenues within the field, such as teaching, and so I just went for it. I didn’t think about quitting or giving up. When giving up isn’t an option in your mind, you can overcome and accomplish pretty much anything!

Who has made the biggest difference in your life so far?
My boys, hands down! No doubt my children have made the biggest difference in my life. I want them to see me as a strong, determined woman who they can always count on no matter what! I want to be a mom they can be proud of. This keeps me pushing forward and setting new goals, and gives me the will to keep going when things are tough.

What person, living or passed, would you love to spend a day with and what would the day look like?
My dad passed away a couple of years ago, and every day I regret not going to see him more and spending more time with him. If his health wasn’t an issue and we could do anything, I would love to go fishing with him one more time. Then spend the rest of the day into the evening rocking on the porch, talking, laughing and waving at people as they drive by, just to see how many people would wave back at us. LOL!

Do you have any words you live by:
You may see me fall, but you will always see me get back up. Life WILL knock you down from time to time. No one gets through without some hard times, but it’s what you do when you get knocked down that makes you who you are. Don’t be the person that stays down and gives up. GET BACK UP AND TRY AGAIN and this time, TRY EVEN HARDER!

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
Never Give Up! No matter how long it takes. No matter how hard you have to work, if it’s something you truly want and have a desire for, it’s worth the effort.