Canton firefighter moonlights as New York Mets dietician

She's been a Canton firefighter for 18 years. She's also a Registered Dietician and a serious athlete.

Maureen Stoecklein is one of only two women with the department. Now she's shifting all those skills to a new field, City Field, in New York City.

"I'm a firefighter paramedic with Canton Township and I'm also a Registered Dietician with the New York Mets, " said Stoecklein.

It's her first season with the baseball team and she's still a little stunned by it.

Stoecklein is one who's determined to help the injury-plagued players get healthier.

"We made a few changes, basically purged the sugar, the sweets, treats. The cafeteria is really nice like an elite health food store, now everything you can imagine," said Stoecklein.

Before becoming a firefighter, Stoecklein was a dietician. Her earlier training has come back to help her land this new, really cool gig.

She travels to New York twice a month and is on the road with the team once a month.

"It's almost surreal being there when I'm in the clubhouse sometimes. I think holy smokes," said Stoecklein.

She says her experience in the male-dominated field of firefighting has prepared her well for the male-dominated field of baseball.

It also helps that Stoecklein is the real deal. She doesn't just preach nutrition and fitness, she lives it.

She was featured in the Brawny paper towels "Strength Has No Gender Campaign" after winning the Fight for Air Climb twice. That's a climb to the top of the Rencen in full firefighting gear. It's 71 flights of stairs, carrying 70 pounds. Our own Ron Savage used to emcee that event and do the climb in his gear. 

Stoecklein says she's so busy she had to take this year off, but she'll be back.

"I think it's also a personal respect issue that I have here with my own department that I want to make sure they still respect me and I'm not just an old lady at doing this job," said Stoecklein.

At 45, Stoecklein say it's more important than ever to stay healthy and strong. She speaks frequently to athletes at high schools and colleges and hopes her story can inspire others, especially young women to follow their dreams.

"Being a firefighter and working in professional baseball is a great platform for letting women know that you can really take on any role. I just feel so blessed to be in this position," said Stoecklein.