Female firefighters comprise approximately 9% of the firefighting workforce, facing unique challenges and opportunities for the women serving their communities. Hear from firefighters from all ranks, and learn about the insights, standards and policies helping create a more inclusive space for women.
Tonya Hoover led from the top of the fire service. Her daughter, Alexandria Pecia, is now forging her own way in law enforcement
FEATURES & PROFILES
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
Departments must shift from asking women to “fit in” to empowering them to add value
Female EMS clinicians report high rates of harassment, mental health struggles and limited career support. Research highlights key areas for reform to create a safer and more inclusive workplace.
Why do so many female firefighters fail to support other women looking to join the ranks or promote within the department?
The only way to finally end sexual harassment within our ranks is if everyone speaks up when they see it or experience it
IN THE NEWS
Told by a teacher that firefighting was “not for girls,” Chief of Fire Investigations Jamie Sypniewicz now leads Las Vegas’ bomb squad and fire investigations
Dallas Assistant Fire Chief Lauren Johnson has been named the next chief of Portland Fire & Rescue, becoming only the third woman and third external hire to lead the department
Balancing high school, soccer and firefighter training, 17-year-old Lydia Kendziorski joined Beaver Township Fire as a cadet
After a four-year hiatus, the FDNY’s iconic fundraising calendar is back, featuring 25 of the department’s fittest first responders
High school girls in Jackson County will get hands-on experience in fire, EMS and police careers
Led by Chief Brian Moya, the department’s streamlined lateral hiring process is bringing in trained firefighters and helping reduce staffing gaps
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Bureau of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion faces major cutbacks as Mayor Karen Bass proposes folding it into another division amid political pressure and budget cuts
A hidden spy camera disguised as a phone charger was discovered in the bunkroom of an El Cajon fire station, leaving female EMS personnel feeling violated and unsafe
Ann Arbor’s new firehouse will be named after Firefighter Mindy Kerr, honoring her legacy as a pioneer while embracing sustainable design
Warrens Firefighter Lori Boelkes became ill while driving home after responding to a motor vehicle crash
ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the importance of transparency and trust when stepping into a new leadership role
The San Francisco assistant chief shares tactical tips for dominating the fire so it has no chance of victory
As she steps down from the top spot in Baltimore County, Rund takes on a new, family-focused role with the NFFF
The Fairfax County (Virginia) firefighter-paramedic talks crew bonding, firefighter reproductive health, and banishing ego to create space for vulnerable conversations
The former CAL FIRE chief of fire protection shares stories from her unique path from seasonal firefighter to fire chief and beyond
It’s important to connect with your fellow firefighters, get involved in training, and avoid silos
The battalion chief explains how so much of her decision-making is rooted in the 2008 Salisbury Millworks blaze
The Indianapolis battalion chief highlights the power of company officers to quash negativity
The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining
The fire service scientist details her newest adventure, the Science Alliance, plus how to make data accessible at the station level