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.
50 women offered insight into how their fire departments can support their personal leadership goals
FEATURES & PROFILES
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
As a woman in the fire service, I am so grateful for my extended family and this group of role models for my son
It all comes down to proper fit and use, post-incident reviews, and policies and procedures
IN THE NEWS
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
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