MIAMI ― Meet Miami’s first female chief officer: Melissa Llera.
Llera holds the highest rank any female in the history of the department has had, reported NBC Miami.
“I always knew that it was possible one day, I just didn’t think I would be the first one,” Llera said.
Llera overlooks five fire stations in north Miami as well as the Miami Fire-Rescue’s dive and technical rescue teams.
“I spent time as a firefighter and as a lieutenant and as a captain before getting to chief,” Llera said.
Only 38 of Miami’s 749 firefighters are female, less than six percent; a number Llera aims to increase.
Fire Chief Maurice Kemp said that he’s “always seen this as a challenge” and since being chief, he is “in a better position to do things about it.”
Recruits for the department train where Capt. Dena Burton is in charge, who said that one of the greatest challenges female firefighters face is the physical demands of the job.
“Because of their upper body strength, they have to work twice as hard for the physical complement,” Burton said.
Llera mentioned that her 9-year-old son is a major source of pride and motivator for her.
“My son is very proud of me. I’ve done countless school presentations for family and friends and I really do take pride in the fact that I’m showing these kids, especially the girls, that they can be firefighters someday and be really whatever they want.”