Donye Price is Chester city’s first Black female firefighter. But that achievement is one among many of her ongoing accomplishments as a community builder and advocate. From the very start, Donye saw her role as a firefighter as an opportunity to contribute to Chester.
“Me being able to reach the community and have an impact on the community the way that I can and being from here is what I love about being a firefighter. It’s more than just being a community servant. To serve the people, you have to be able to relate to and care about the people and I’m able to do that and perform my job to a higher degree because of that.”
“Mural unveiled in Chester honors city’s first Black female firefighter.” Delaware County Times, September 15, 2023.
Donye shares with us her story of her decision to become a firefighter back in 2015 and how she since connected her career with advocacy for Chester residents, especially young women and girls.
To share her story and the possibilities available to girls in Chester and beyond, Donye authored a children’s book, Girls Can Be Firefighters Too. The book encourages girls to think beyond the roles society expects of them, to be courageous, and to explore broader opportunities, such as pursuing a career in firefighting. Donye’s focus on women in firefighting shows a path toward independence and community service available to future generations of women.
Donye also shares with us some of the challenges she faces as a firefighter, especially her efforts to balance family life and career obligations.
Donye’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighbors commissioned a mural of Donye, which acknowledged her achievements and honored her career as a firefighter.
Donye founded My SereniTeas, an organization aimed at utilizing the mental health benefits of participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and nature exploration. By bringing serenity and balance into everyday life, Donye’s goal is to inspire individuals to reconnect with the natural world.
Since 2022, Donye has served as Secretary of the City of Chester Fire Fighters Local 1400 union. In 2024, she was a nominee for a Missing Plug Award, which celebrates Black and Brown entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives in Chester city, Delaware County, Philadelphia and the state of Delaware.