Heart of a Hero: Meet Rescue Chief Elena Skillett

Skillet Family

For more than a decade, Rescue Chief Elena Skillett has been a steady and humble force within Hallam Fire & Rescue. If you ask her, she’ll simply say she’s “just doing her part.” But anyone who knows Elena will tell you she wears many hats and wears them with heart.

Elena is not only a volunteer firefighter and EMT; she’s also a full-time cardiology nurse practitioner, a devoted wife, a loving mom, and a loyal friend. Her journey with Hallam Fire & Rescue began 11 years ago, shortly after moving to town. Looking for a way to give back and connect with her new community, she joined the department — and has been serving ever since.

One call she’ll never forget was a massive grass fire three years ago. It was a high-stress, all-hands-on-deck situation. “What amazed me most was how quickly the community came together to support each other,” Elena recalls. That spirit of unity is what she loves most about Hallam: neighbors rallying together in times of need, proving this small town is truly a family.

That same spirit fuels Hallam Fire & Rescue’s Extreme Bull Riding Event — the department’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “This event is how we’re able to buy life-saving equipment,” Elena explains. “For EMS, something like a monitor that transmits patient information directly to the hospital is huge. It cuts down wait times and speeds up care. Fundraisers like Extreme Bull Riding make that possible.”

Outside of the firehouse, Elena treasures her family time. Whether it’s cheering at sporting events, celebrating holidays with extended family, or curling up for a movie night, those simple moments keep her grounded and grateful.

Hallam is lucky to have leaders like Elena , quietly determined, deeply compassionate, and always ready to answer the call. When you buy a ticket to Extreme Bull Riding, you’re not just coming for a night of rodeo action , you’re standing behind heroes like Elena who keep our community safe.

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