It’s no secret Miss Metro Jackson Kaylee Scroggins spends some of her time on stage, but its the behind the scenes work she does that could be more easily overlooked.

Scroggins is a volunteer member of the Langford fire department in Flowood.

“We have many functions to aid our firefighters as an auxiliary member,” she said.

Scroggins explained there are fire calls and medical calls, and when firefighters respond to fire calls, auxiliary members will assist by providing water to the firefighters.

“We give them water as they get done with fires so they can get hydrated and have their stamina,” she said.

Because she works with a volunteer unit, extra funds are often needed to purchase boots, jackets and other turnout gear.

“Because we volunteer, we don’t get the same funds,” she said. “We have to do boot drives and events to get money donated.”

Scroggins said as an auxiliary member she mostly assists with fundraising and providing water. She doesn’t touch the patients because she’s not certified to do so, she said.

“I just like to volunteer because I enjoy giving back to the community,” she said.

Scroggins said she decided to get involved with the fire department because her boyfriend is a firefighter.

“I just wanted to be involved and be with him more,” she said.

From working with firefighters to wearing dresses on stage, Scroggins said she doesn’t really identify as a girly girl or a tomboy, but somewhere in the middle.

“I do like to dress up and curl my hair, but I also like to just relax and put my hair in a ponytail some days,” she said. “

Scroggins said Miss Mississippi 2014 Jasmine Murray was a key reason she decided to do the pageant.

“Just seeing Jasmine Murray on stage and how she has been such a huge inspiration and seeing her on social media really inspired me to do the pageant,” she said.

“I can’t really see anyone else taking her place. It’s going to be hard.”