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.
Finding a supervisory style rooted in authenticity creates an environment of trust and common ground
FEATURES & PROFILES
To truly embrace diversity, fire service agencies need to implement change from the top down
A robust, multi-faceted recruitment strategy that celebrates diversity is essential to achieving sustainability in the fire service
There were a total of seven women in the SFFD in 1987; now, there are 285 uniformed women in the department
The two-day free event, led by female firefighters, taught girls how to use a fire hose, climb a ladder and how to perform CPR
Research has shown that firefighters and EMTs face special risks of cardiac disease and stroke; here are 10 ways to lessen your risk
IN THE NEWS
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”
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
Mayor Lori Lightfoot chose Acting Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt to be the first woman to head the Chicago Fire Department
The remodel will add more separate bathrooms and showers and individual sleeping areas rather than an open dorm
Syracuse Fire Department Lt. Tamica Barnett, 36, said she looks forward to setting an example for others
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