Brooke Simms
Brooke Simms is a dedicated firefighter and EMT-B with Aurora Fire Rescue in the Denver Metropolitan Area. Since joining the department in 2019, she has served on the front lines of both fire and emergency medical response, honing her skills in life safety, community outreach, and emergency preparedness. Brooke is currently expanding her expertise by pursuing paramedic training, with the long-term goal of filling multiple roles within the fire service, including apparatus driver and eventually officer, to better serve her community.
A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication/Journalism and a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, Brooke brings a unique combination of leadership, communication, and analytical skills to her career. She is also a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, demonstrating her commitment to health, wellness, and personal growth both on and off duty. Throughout her professional journey, Brooke has consistently embraced challenges and lifelong learning, striving to improve herself while inspiring those around her.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Brooke is passionate about mentorship, community service, and youth empowerment. She actively participates in programs such as the African American Young Ladies Summit and Aurora Fire Rescue’s Camp Spark, introducing young women to the fire service and helping them envision new possibilities for their futures. She also supports initiatives like the Firefighters of Aurora Benevolent Fund and engages in fundraising and volunteer work for local organizations. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys spending quality time with her daughters, exploring Denver, dancing, and pursuing personal fitness challenges, including amateur boxing events that support first responders and youth programs.
• EMT-B
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Southern New Hampshire University - M.B.A.
• 2009 Dell Scholar
• Mobile Loaves & Fishes
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas
• Mobile Loaves & Fishes
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success largely to the dynamics of the fire service and the team I work with. Early on, I realized that the culture here was unique—different from what I expected, but in a good way. Over the six-plus years I’ve been with this department, I’ve finally found a crew that I truly enjoy working with. Their support and camaraderie make even the most challenging days—long calls, fatigue, and personal stresses—much more manageable and fulfilling.
For me, part of what makes this job so rewarding is keeping focused on the bigger picture, the “eye on the prize.” While responding to fires is inherently intense and requires quick thinking, it’s the teamwork, trust, and shared commitment to excellence that make it meaningful. I genuinely enjoy the collaborative nature of our work, especially knowing that we can make a real difference in people’s lives.
I also love that our department approaches each situation with an aggressive, proactive mindset. We pride ourselves on rapid response and effective action to protect people’s homes and property. That sense of urgency, combined with working alongside a supportive and skilled crew, is what makes this job both exciting and deeply satisfying for me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My best advice for young women entering this industry is to come in with a clear understanding of how you want to show up every day—and, most importantly, to show up as your authentic self. I realized early in my career that in this profession, we essentially live and work closely with each other for long stretches—24-hour shifts on, 48 hours off—so the environment can feel very much like a family.
Trying to be anyone other than yourself in that setting is exhausting. I made a conscious decision to be true to who I am, every single day. For me, that means no code-switching and no pretending—just showing up consistently as myself. My goal has always been to bring the same person to work that I am in my everyday life, which has helped me build strong relationships, maintain my energy, and thrive in this demanding career.
Locations
Aurora Fire Rescue
Denver, CO 80237