Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)
Copyright 2006 Chattanooga Publishing Company
A medical call Sunday night in Brainerd led to a first for the Chattanooga Fire Department, according to a news release from Mayor Ron Littlefield.
An all-female firetruck crew was dispatched from Fire Hall 13 on Brainerd Road in response to a 911 call regarding a 78-year-old woman who complained of chest pain.
Capt. Benita Owens and firefighters Melissa Miller and Kelly Liles monitored the patient until Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service arrived, according to the mayor’s spokeswoman, Michelle Michaud.
“What this proves is that education and training make the difference, not gender,” said Marti Rutherford, city councilwoman for District 6, where the incident occurred.
“I’m proud of all of our firefighters, men and women, but especially proud of our team for making it possible for hardworking women to work together in a nontraditional role for the good of our community,” Fire Chief Wendell Rowe said.