By Elizabeth Lewis
Watertown Daily Times
POTSDAM, N.Y. — For the past 14 years, Danielle M. Rose has been breaking through proverbial glass ceilings by fighting fires.
Earlier this month, Ms. Rose, who has been a volunteer firefighter for the Potsdam Fire Department since 2003, was elected to serve as the department’s first female chief by the members of the department.
And at 29 years old, she’s also one of the youngest.
“I joined when I was 17. I was still in high school,” she said. “It’s a humbling experience. I’m just the type of person who likes to help people out and help my community out.”
Being one of just two women in a department of 47 members, Ms. Rose hopes to encourage other women to join the fast-paced world of volunteer firefighting.
“I think this will open a lot of females’ eyes,” she said. “You have to put in the work and have the drive, but you can do it.”
Fewer than 4 percent of U.S. firefighters are women. According to the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services, there are approximately 150 female volunteer fire chiefs active in the U.S.
“I honestly don’t look at it as being the first female chief,” Ms. Rose said. “I don’t look at myself any different; my gender doesn’t define my job.”
Ms. Rose said she has become somewhat of a role model for children.
https://www.facebook.com/jenn3314/posts/10155442595052018
“They really look up to me,” Ms. Rose said. “This really opened their eyes and taught them that anything is possible.”
Having been an assistant chief for the past five years, Ms. Rose said she’s able to handle the duties that come with being chief. However, there are some things she’s still getting used to in her new role.
“There are a lot more responsibilities,” she said.
“The big thing is dealing with the village and town for the budgets, and trying to keep the bills in line.”
As chief, Ms. Rose said her first order of business is to increase the number of volunteer members.
“I’m hoping to get new members to join,” she said, “and making sure morale around the department stays high.”
In and out of the fire station, Ms. Rose keeps herself busy.
Between April 2016 and March 2017 — a Potsdam firefighter’s calendar year — Ms. Rose logged 529 hours of service at the department as first assistant fire chief.
Currently, in addition to being fire chief, Ms. Rose works as a security officer at Clarkson University, and owns her own car detailing business, First Class Detailing in Canton.
“I never stop,” Ms. Rose said. “Sometimes I amaze myself how I do it.”
Copyright 2017 Watertown Daily Times
All Rights Reserved