Annie Wallen has had one dream since the second grade: to be a full-time firefighter.

In January she achieved that dream, becoming the first female fighter for the city of Jackson. But a round of layoffs ended her dream Thursday.

“My dream was short lived, but I lived it,” Wallen said. “It’s been everything I’ve ever imagined.”

Wallen and five other firefighters were laid off following the expiration of a federal grant Sept. 26, Jackson Police and Fire Director Elmer Hitt said.