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.
Jayla Huelskamp became the first woman to win the Firefighting Skills event at SkillsUSA, inspiring her peers and paving the way for others to follow
FEATURES & PROFILES
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
Survey finds 55% of female firefighters had been assaulted or know someone else who had been assaulted during fire/EMS work
Before she could even speak the language after immigrating to America, the wife of the junior Pennsylvania senator dreamed of joining the fire service
Encouraged to join the department by a group she now leads, Wilson hopes to elevate the role of diversity in hiring practices
It all comes down to proper fit and use, post-incident reviews, and policies and procedures
The staffing of captains Felicia Barnes, Emily Murphy and Katja Lancing marked the first time all three captain positions at one station were held by women
Female chief officers show that harassment and discrimination know no rank
The statistics on sexual harassment and assault in the fire service are alarming and demand we do more than just annual online training
Finding a supervisory style rooted in authenticity creates an environment of trust and common ground
IN THE NEWS
Melanie Figueroa, who is one year over the maximum age limit to take the test, could be the Haverhill Fire Department’s first female firefighter
The paramedics and current or recent members of the fire prevention division said bias against Black women has affected their pay and opportunities
A police report says a female Easthampton firefighter noticed a “blue light” coming from a locker, which led her to find cameras in two lockers
The class of 90 includes one woman and recruits who speak a variety of languages
The lawsuit states that a senior firefighter stalked and harassed then-firefighter Angela Bommarito and criticizes Harrison Fire Department and town officials
Kimberly Schoppa “was just such a hard worker, she constantly smiled,” said Deputy Chief Tracey Reed
Former Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joy Ponder said she endured emotional distress in a hostile work environment
Vancouver Fire Station 2 includes Captain Heidi Parr and Firefighters Melissa Anthony and Hannah Nelson
“Breaking barriers is possible,” said Queen Anunay, who until recently led the EMS division
Fred Mathis was found to be likely intoxicated while at FD HQ but, at some point, was marked out sick; accusations of special treatment emerge
The study, led by Dr. Denise Smith, has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Capt. Adam Matson said Alexandria does not have any current female firefighters but hopes that expanded parental leave attracts future applicants
At the time of her nomination, Crowley said keeping the department operationally ready would be her top priority
A new lactation policy and a change in shift options were among initiatives proposed to Santa Fe’s Community Health and Safety Task Force to address the FD’s diversity issues
Tracy Blanchette has been promoted to captain after a state board said she was wrongly passed over for the promotion previously
Chief Tina R. Watkins will lead the Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services after a number of interim leaders over the years
South Bend FD members have cited a culture of harassment and discrimination, but the St. Joseph County prosecutor said detectives could not find a suspect
South Bend’s matrix plan comes about six months after the department’s 12 female firefighters raised issues
The assessment of LAFD’s workplace culture also found that 56% of female employees who responded cited bullying
“I worked hard and the opportunity was there, I took it every chance I got,” said Seekonk Fire Chief Sandra Lowery
Latosha Clemons, Boynton Beach, Florida’s first Black female firefighter, alleges damage to her personal and professional reputation
At the Women in Fire 2021 International Conference, 129 female firefighters were measured as part of research into creating uniforms made for women
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
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