Female Firefighters
Female firefighters comprise approximately 9% of the firefighting workforce, creating unique challenges and opportunities for the women who join the ranks to serve their communities. The Female Firefighters resource page covers an array of news related to women in the fire service, including promotions and other career triumphs, as well as information about standards and policies to create more equitable and inclusive spaces for women. Hear from female firefighters of all ranks about their experiences, from serving on the front lines of the firefight to leading fire departments and fire service organizations.
“What I’ve found is we’re all treated as equals here— it doesn’t matter how young or old you are —you’re a firefighter,” Cheat Lake VFD Firefighter Peggy Paulick said
Erin and Ashley Lucas are the only set of twins on the staff of the Lexington Fire Department, and they said that sometimes makes work a little more interesting
Marking the 50th anniversary of her historic hiring, Brewer reflects on her career and the challenges and joys of breaking the fire service glass ceiling
The class of 90 includes one woman and recruits who speak a variety of languages
As a woman in the fire service, I am so grateful for my extended family and this group of role models for my son
The lawsuit states that a senior firefighter stalked and harassed then-firefighter Angela Bommarito and criticizes Harrison Fire Department and town officials
It all comes down to proper fit and use, post-incident reviews, and policies and procedures
Kimberly Schoppa “was just such a hard worker, she constantly smiled,” said Deputy Chief Tracey Reed
Discrimination
Former Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joy Ponder said she endured emotional distress in a hostile work environment
Vancouver Fire Station 2 includes Captain Heidi Parr and Firefighters Melissa Anthony and Hannah Nelson
“Breaking barriers is possible,” said Queen Anunay, who until recently led the EMS division
The staffing of captains Felicia Barnes, Emily Murphy and Katja Lancing marked the first time all three captain positions at one station were held by women
Fred Mathis was found to be likely intoxicated while at FD HQ but, at some point, was marked out sick; accusations of special treatment emerge
Heart Attack
The study, led by Dr. Denise Smith, has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Ruby has been assigned to Minneapolis Fire Station 7 for three months when she finally responds to her first house fire
Benefits
Capt. Adam Matson said Alexandria does not have any current female firefighters but hopes that expanded parental leave attracts future applicants
At the time of her nomination, Crowley said keeping the department operationally ready would be her top priority
A new lactation policy and a change in shift options were among initiatives proposed to Santa Fe’s Community Health and Safety Task Force to address the FD’s diversity issues
Tracy Blanchette has been promoted to captain after a state board said she was wrongly passed over for the promotion previously
Fire Chief
Chief Tina R. Watkins will lead the Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services after a number of interim leaders over the years
South Bend FD members have cited a culture of harassment and discrimination, but the St. Joseph County prosecutor said detectives could not find a suspect
South Bend’s matrix plan comes about six months after the department’s 12 female firefighters raised issues
The assessment of LAFD’s workplace culture also found that 56% of female employees who responded cited bullying
“I worked hard and the opportunity was there, I took it every chance I got,” said Seekonk Fire Chief Sandra Lowery
Lawsuit
Latosha Clemons, Boynton Beach, Florida’s first Black female firefighter, alleges damage to her personal and professional reputation
At the Women in Fire 2021 International Conference, 129 female firefighters were measured as part of research into creating uniforms made for women
LAFD Battalion Chief Kris Larson said that female firefighters refuse to file complaints because the LAFD is “gossipy” and they will face retaliation
Michele Pankow, a 28-year veteran of the Rockford Fire Department, and a 2021 American Red Cross Disaster Services Hero, was named head of the department
‘LFD literally broke me’: Retired Mich. firefighter alleges sexual assault, harassment at department
“I was abused and harassed for being a lesbian female,” Lansing’s first-ever female battalion chief says
Available slots for the San Antonio Fire Department’s “Hero Like Her” summer program for girls ages 6 to 17 were filled within 48 hours
Mark and Candi Krause, and their daughters, McKenah Wehr and Aubree Romig, serve as volunteers for Upper Macungie Fire Station 56
Veteran Fla. firefighter tells campaign supports “If they can see it they can be it”
Lawsuit
Pilot Desiree Horton alleges that at the OCFA she was unfairly scrutinized by other male pilots and held to unfair, higher standards than her male counterparts
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