West Whiteland firefighter Emily Gindele graduates after crash tragedy

Emily Gindele Graduates as Volunteer Firefighter

WEST WHITELAND, Pa. (WPVI) — After over 170 hours of training and tests, Emily Gindele graduated from the entry-level firefighter program as a volunteer firefighter with the West Whiteland Fire Company 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.”

This achievement is a 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 were responding to a call at the time of the accident.

“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 that she could achieve her original goal.

“I did everything that I could to be like everybody else,” said Gindele.

Gindele’s parents expressed pride as they watched her cross the stage, stating that 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 also showed their support.

“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, Colin’s mother.

Gindele wore Colin’s Mass card in her hat, keeping him close to 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.”