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.
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
FEATURES & PROFILES
Biennial event offers a network of support, education and training to empower women and elevate the fire service
Five recommendations to address the evolving needs of our newest workforce
The IAFC’s comprehensive guide to hosting a fire camp is a blueprint for recruiting more women into the fire service
Amid repeated setbacks and naysayers attitudes, I pushed forward to achieve my fire department dream
Marking the 50th anniversary of her historic hiring, Brewer reflects on her career and the challenges and joys of breaking the fire service glass ceiling
IN THE NEWS
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
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