Sophomore Danielle Rice is the third generation to ride on fire-trucks, but she is not riding to fight fires. She is the sweetheart of the Panhandle Fireman Fire Marshal’s Association (PFFMA) and will serve until next May.

PFFMA represents and supports all the fire departments in the Panhandle and provides funds for equipment and medical assistance. The association hosts different fundraisers throughout the year and performs community service. At the annual convention in May, PFFMA announced the sweetheart. Sweetheart contestants have several requirements and can choose to present an optional speech when trying out.

“I was shocked because I messed up on a couple of words on my speech,” Rice said. “My speech was about community service I had done. I spoke about my dad and grandfather and what the board meant to me.”

As the sweetheart, Rice will attend the PFFMA meetings and conventions.

“I will be traveling with the board when they go to their meetings quarterly,” Rice said. “I lead the pledges at the meetings and the prayer occasionally.”

The age limit to run is 10-17 years old, and the sweetheart cannot serve more than two terms.

“You have to be someone they can trust and who is responsible,” Rice said. “I am just like the face there.”

In order to run for the sweetheart, the contestant must be a daughter or a granddaughter of current or retired members of the board.

“My dad is the lieutenant of the personnel and training at the sheriff’s office, the Assistant Chief at the Canyon Fire Department, and the secretary/treasurer on the board,” Rice said.

Rice said she grew up around the fire department because her grandpa was the chief, and her dad used to be a firefighter.

“I am happy because my dad is on the board as well with me,” Rice said. “I wanted to be a part of something like my dad was because it is important to me.”