NATCHEZ — Morgan Mizell can fight a fire with a dress on and think nothing of it.

The Foster Mound Volunteer Fire Department volunteer was at a friend’s wedding reception this past winter when she received a text message about an active blaze.

“I put my fire equipment on over my dress,” she said. “I drove all the way out to Broadmoor Subdivision. For the most part, the serious part of the fire was out. We started the recovery process and made sure there were no hot spots.

“After it was over, I went back to the car and pulled my fire gear off and went back to the reception.”

The story exemplifies Mizell’s commitment to her department and the community, Foster Mound Fire Chief Eddie Ray said.

Mizell is an extremely reliable member of his team, Ray said, and a “truly nice person.”

It was Mizell’s curious nature that led to her involvement in community volunteering, she said.

When working at a local hardware store two years ago, she met a member of the Adams County Search and Rescue team and asked about the organization.

“I went to one of their meetings and joined their group,” Mizell said. “Most of the people in that group are also volunteer firefighters in Adams County.”

Another connection took place, Mizell said, and she was quickly part of the rescue team and the fire department.

“I don’t have a lot of money,” she said. “If I had a lot of money, I would donate money to these organizations. I do have time, so that is something I thought I could donate. I really love Natchez and Adams County, and I want to do things in a positive way for my community.”

She has since expanded her volunteering roles to include time as an auxiliary deputy at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and a performer and board member at Natchez Little Theatre.

She performed this week in “Little Women” and is vice president of theater productions.

Mizell said she is not the kind of person who likes to sit at home and watch TV.

She works at J.E. Hicks Distributing Company, a wholesale food distribution company, and usually heads straight from her shift to one of her volunteering commitments.

“I really feel think Natchez can use all the positive vibes it can get,” Mizell said. “We have to stick up for ourselves and do the best we can for each other here in our community.

“I want to help improve it. There are all kinds of things I want to do. Hopefully, I will get more involved in my community and be an advocate for change and growth in all areas that are possible for it.”