LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Continuing a legacy of service to her community, the third annual Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp is happening this week at the Louisville Fire Training Academy. 

Around two dozen young girls participate in the third annual Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp at the Louisville Fire Training Academy

Around two dozen young girls participate in the third annual Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp at the Louisville Fire Training Academy. (WDRB image from July 9, 2024)

Prather, a Louisville firefighter, died in a car crash in Feb. 2020 along with her daughter, Rhyan Prather and another mother and daughter, Carrie and Kacey McCaw.

The four were just outside of St. Louis while on their way to a volleyball tournament. Community members came out by the hundreds to honor them with a procession, showing how much of an impact they had on the lives they touched.

Prather's family has since created the Lesley and Rhyan Prather Foundation, dedicated to helping other families dealing with tragedies.

"In just four years, we've given back over $900,000 and have helped over 400 families," said Terry Hall, founder and president of the Lesley and Rhyan Prather Foundation. 

Hall is Lesley's brother-in-law and Rhyan's uncle. He said while much of the work through the foundation is focused on helping during tragedies, the annual Empowerment Camp is a "silver lining" and a way to celebrate the lives of his loved ones. 

"It's a blessing and a curse, right? It's a blessing that we get to do this, and we get to show these young women all that they can do. Not only individually but as a team. But also a curse in that we're having to do it in Leslie's namesake," said Hall. 

Over the past three summers, around 60 girls between 10 and 14 years old have been able to learn about firefighting and Prather's impact. This week, around two dozen campers are taking part in camp, including a niece of Prather's who is considering becoming a firefighter herself. 

"I just like think it's cool to help other people," said Hyla Petkovic, Prather's 13-year-old niece. 

Early within the camp, Petkovic said she was already making friends and enjoying the activities. 

"It's just girls and they just lift you up and it gives you more confidence and it shows you like what Lesley did and how good of a person she was," she said. 

While the camp allows these girls the chance to experience parts of firefighting and learn from female leaders in the profession, the goal is not to encourage them all to become firefighters one day, but instead, help them see that they can be whatever they want to be. 

"(The goal is) that they leave this camp believing in themselves more than they ever have before," said Hall. 

Around two dozen young girls participate in the third annual Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp at the Louisville Fire Training Academy

Around two dozen young girls participate in the third annual Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp at the Louisville Fire Training Academy. (WDRB image from July 9, 2024)

Louisville Fire Capt. Tamara Stewart said growing up outside of Dallas, Texas, she doesn't remember seeing a female firefighter as a child. She said it wasn't until she became an adult and met a female firefighter that she was inspired to join Louisville Fire. 

"We tell our kids you can be anything you want to be when you grow up, but really sometimes it takes seeing someone that looks like you to really, truly believe that that's the case," said Stewart. 

Stewart said this week, campers will be able to hook up fire hoses, spray water, ride on the firetruck, get trained in CPR, and more. 

" ... we want these girls to build the confidence and know that they can do anything that they set their minds to," she said.

There are plans for another Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp next summer, but dates have not been announced yet. Hall said thanks to sponsorships, the camp is available at no cost to families. 

For a link to learn more about the Lesley and Rhyan Prather Foundation, click here. 

For a link about the Lelsey Prather Empowerment Camp, click here.

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