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.
FEATURES & PROFILES
The harassment and assaults began when she was 16 and continued for years, with those in charge treating her as the perpetrator, not the victim
We’ve built a solid body of evidence on firefighter health and well being for the white male majority group, yet have little data on others
Making sure PPE fits is more than an issue of comfort; it’s a safety issue, and that goes for women as well as men
Taking a deliberate approach to recruiting underrepresented segments of the population will boost fire department ranks and its overall quality
Being ill-prepared for things like firefighter pregnancy and breastfeeding hurts a department’s ability to attract the best firefighters and stay out of court
IN THE NEWS
The bill further protects female firefighters by adding breast cancer and ovarian cancer to the list of qualifying diseases
The inspector general’s report found more than half of female employees and 87% of Black employees surveyed reported harassment or discrimination
The firefighters blasted the “slap on the wrist” given to a captain who reportedly harassed another firefighter and struck her on the head
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Firefighter-EMT Danielle Bove said she was inspired to see a female firefighter at the scene
San Francisco Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac said she is considering suing after “a campaign of harassment and discrimination”
The New Britain police, fire and EMS departments are hoping to recruit more women and people of color through a free hiring workshop
The FEMA grant-funded study will last for three years and examine occupational health risks specific to women in the fire service
South Fulton Fire Capt. Andrea Hall, a 28-year fire veteran and the president of IAFF Local 3920, said she was “thrilled and humbled” to be selected for the ceremony
Marietta Fire Department Deputy Chief Christi Malec has been with the department for the past 21 years and previously served as deputy fire marshal
Former Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joy Ponder says she was unfairly moved to a desk job and faced harassment from Chief Scott Burnette
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