From Helmet to Crown: A Day's Work for Miss Julian
By Amber Ward

Miss Julian Casey Peyakov was on duty during the Witch Creek fire.

Not only is Casey Peyakov a dedicated Miss Julian, but she is also a dedicated firefighter.

During the Witch Creek fire, Peyakov served as captain of the Julian Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer Team, and went on to represent Julian at the Annual Miss Borrego Springs Pageant when no other area queens could attend.

Peyakov serves the community of Julian well, from helmet to crown.

She has worked with the Julian Volunteer Fire Department on the Explorer Team since 2004. The Explorers are group of community youth who are interested in pursuing careers as either firefighters or as first responders.

Explorers work side by side with firefighters and other first responders, assisting in vehicle accidents and other medical emergencies.

"Explorers support the community," says Peyakov.

Explorers also help with community projects such as Julian's Annual Community Fourth of July Parade and the elementary school carnival.

Photos courtesy of Casey Peyakov

During the Witch Creek fire, Peyakov was at the fire station as soon as the fire started, helping with whatever was needed.

While firefighters were on the fire line, Peyakov helped maintain communications at the station and made sure that if extra hands were needed, she would be ready to assist. She was at the station from the day the fire started, Oct. 21, through Oct. 27, when the mandatory evacuation for Julian was lifted.

On the first day of the fire, Peyakov was assigned to an Imperial Valley ambulance to aid in notifying Pine Hills residents of evacuations. She was needed to show the first responders the many roads and streets of Pine Hills so that all residents could be notified.

Peyakov organized the donations and helped coordinate the meals for hundreds of firefighters. The station was charged with overseeing the cooking, which was done at the Julian Cafe.

"Thanks to everyone in the community who donated food and helped out during the fire," says Peyakov.

After a very hectic and busy week at the fire station, Peyakov decided that it was her duty, as Miss Julian, to represent the community at the Annual Miss Borrego Springs Pageant. It is tradition that area queens from all over San Diego County support their fellow queens by attending their pageants. Because of the multiple fires and road closures throughout the county, no other queens were able to attend.

After working all day at the station, Peyakov arrived in her gear and had very little time to get ready for the event. "It was important to show support for the queen," says Casey, who was pleased that upon arrival pageant helpers were able to do her hair and make-up for her.