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.
A new study explores gender differences in PTSD and post-traumatic growth among firefighters, EMTs and medics
FEATURES & PROFILES
Departments must shift from asking women to “fit in” to empowering them to add value
Female EMS clinicians report high rates of harassment, mental health struggles and limited career support. Research highlights key areas for reform to create a safer and more inclusive workplace.
Why do so many female firefighters fail to support other women looking to join the ranks or promote within the department?
The only way to finally end sexual harassment within our ranks is if everyone speaks up when they see it or experience it
During a month dedicated to recognizing the experiences, nuance and unique perspective women provide, FireRescue1 takes a look at how women have impacted the fire service
Is anyone at the upper levels of government considering how the current round of federal government changes will impact public safety at the local level?
The former U.S. fire administrator underscores the need for the agency to be elevated as the leader of the nation’s fire service
Julie, the only woman on a 20-person crew, struggles to prove her worth and find a place in the very masculine world of firefighting
Through a partnership with the Girl Scouts of America, Camp Fury is igniting a passion for public safety and emergency services among young girls
IN THE NEWS
The Modesto Fire Department and Modesto Junior College are holding their first Women’s Empowerment Camp introducing young women to the fire service
Kansas City officials approved a record settlement of lawsuits alleging discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, age and abuse
A Lexington lieutenant has been suspended and directed to take additional training after a disciplinary hearing
Arson Investigator Afara Lalaind’s complaint alleges a hostile work environment and lost opportunity for advancement
Brownsville’s Lieutenant Amanda Ely makes history with her promotion
Probationary Firefighter Jessica Chiodo’s father Peter Chiodo was on the job for 25 years and died of a 9/11-related illness
Laura Kavanagh says she plans to help with the transition in leadership
The lawsuit alleges women were barred from becoming paramedics by unnecessary physical tests
The former Bedford firefighter alleges the harassment created a fear of “physical violence and/or sabotage”
The inaugural “Girls in Green” camp in Pine Valley introduced teen girls to various professions in the U.S. Forest Service
New Haven Assistant Fire Chief Shakira Samuel joined the department over 20 years ago
Twin Cities Female Firefighter Fitness was created to encourage women to consider a career in firefighting
Colleen Windsor claimed the Orange County Fire Authority had a “well-documented history of chauvinism and misogyny”
Former Easthampton Firefighter was sentenced to eight months in prison and two years probation
Baltimore County Fire Chief Joanne Rund led the department through the pandemic and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
The HERo’s Girl’s Fire Camp in Solano County empowers young women to consider a career in fire, EMS
Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg lists improving firefighter mental health, wellnes as an initial objective
Pine Hill Fire Department Chief Jessica Calandra looks at recruitment, morale and EMS challenges in the community
“What I’ve found is we’re all treated as equals here— it doesn’t matter how young or old you are —you’re a firefighter,” Cheat Lake VFD Firefighter Peggy Paulick said
Erin and Ashley Lucas are the only set of twins on the staff of the Lexington Fire Department, and they said that sometimes makes work a little more interesting
The HERo Girls Fire Camp empowers young women through hands-on experiences
Participants learn a variety of skills to expose them to the fire service and build confidence
Female firefighters explained how gear designed for men increases their risk of being burned, slows their movements
“I’m still pretty badass at 75, but I wish I had done it sooner,” Mary Jarschke said as she prepares to graduate as a volunteer firefighter
Calley Thierfelder joined the Northville Volunteer Fire Department and the New Milford Junior Police Cadets
Samantha Briggs was a firefighter in England, started her CrossFit career at 31, and became a Hamilton firefighter at 40
Deputy Chief Julie O’Berg had already planned to retire in 2024 before a change in city leadership led her to be picked for the interim spot
Allingtown Firefighter Samantha Trayer brings her experience as a therapist to a more hands-on job
The low number of female firefighters has led the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire to use a more standardized, widely used physical exam
ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
Better Every Shift’s resident scientist shares how the upcoming Science to the Station event helps firefighters connect with peers and experts
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
The co-founder of HeartFit for Duty shares the common risk factors for cardiac and cancer challenges – and the simple exercise with the greatest impact
Bassi, who serves as CEO for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, shares the power of department accreditation and personal credentials, plus ‘AI for newbies’
BOOKS BY FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS
A trailblazing memoir from Clare Frank, California’s first (and only) female chief of fire protection
Retired Captain Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers a woman’s perspective on working in this male-dominated profession
Ruby has been assigned to Minneapolis Fire Station 7 for three months when she finally responds to her first house fire
Julie, the only woman on a 20-person crew, struggles to prove her worth and find a place in the very masculine world of firefighting