The Thin Line Spotlight: Katie Pallikan

Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided

Katie Pallikan, the first female firefighter ever hired in Lebanon, says she couldn’t be happier about her job.

“I feel extremely honored to be Lebanon’s first female firefighter,” she says. “Being a firefighter has been a childhood dream of mine, and it’s a very surreal feeling to achieve a dream that I’ve had for so long. This career means so much to me and I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity to be able to work for the City of Lebanon. I’m very excited to see where this career will take me.”

Pallikan says she has always loved working with the public.    

“Before I began my career in fire and EMS, I was a server, hostess or receptionist at different places all throughout high school,” she says. “Once I graduated, I earned my EMT certification and began working at Community North Hospital in the emergency department for 13 months. I was able to assist with patient care. It was a great experience as a new EMT. I then worked at Decatur Township Fire Department as a civilian EMT on the ambulance for several months, before receiving a conditional offer from Lebanon Fire Department.”

Pallikan enjoys the camaraderie at the firehouse.

“There are a lot of awesome things about being a firefighter,” she says. “I love the atmosphere at the firehouse. Whether we are training, working out, cooking meals or on a call, I am always happy to be there because the people on my shift have such a positive impact on me as a person and as a firefighter. Along with that, I love being able to help my community and make a difference in people’s lives. I can also say that I love the adrenaline that this career gives me, but this job is so much more than that. It is about helping people who need us, and that’s honestly my favorite part about being a firefighter.”

Pallikan says there are many measures people can take to help prevent fires.

“Check your smoke detectors and make sure that they are working properly,” she says. “You should also turn off cooking appliances like stoves and ovens after using them, clean out your lint trap in your dryer regularly, and in the wintertime, remember to keep space heaters away from anything flammable and turn them off when unattended.”

Pallikan says she does not work anywhere else at the moment, but has plans to.

“I’m currently focused on being a well-rounded firefighter at LFD,” Pallikan says. “I am enjoying training and perfecting my ability to perform the variety of skills that firefighters must possess. In the near future I will add on a part-time EMS job. I have a true passion for EMS and it is a goal of mine to eventually become a firefighter/paramedic.”

Pallikan adds that she has been inspired by her family.

“I would like to take the opportunity to mention my two older brothers, Riley and Chandler Pallikan,” she says. “They are both firefighters at Whitestown Fire Department and have been the biggest influence for me and my career. Growing up, I always looked up to them and wanted to do everything they did, and that feeling then translated into my career. They both were extremely encouraging, and motivated me during the entire hiring process and all throughout the fire academy. My brothers have been such amazing guides for me for my whole life, and I consider myself very blessed to have them as my brothers and best friends.”

Pallikan enjoys spending time with her family and friends when she is not working.

“I believe it’s important to surround yourself with the people you love and care about as often as possible, to help remind yourself of all the reasons why you work so hard,” she says. “However, when I’m not with family or friends, I enjoy working out, and training of any kind. I also love to write, play bass guitar, and now, with being in the fire service, I’ve enjoyed learning different recipes that I can cook at the fire station for my crewmates.”

Pallikan says she is extremely thankful for the opportunity to be a firefighter.

“I’m truly so grateful to be able to work for the City of Lebanon and to be able to serve this community,” Pallikan says. “I’m excited to meet the people of this friendly city of Indiana.”