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
Too many male firefighters are still not listening, especially when the message is coming from a woman
An inside look at PGCFD’s unique program, plus what it’s like to be the department’s first female African-American chief
Health-related factors – obesity, fitness level, depression and others – impact injury risk for men and women alike
Firefighters can still achieve crew camaraderie without communal space living situations
Consistency and persistence of inclusive values will help the fire service leaders move beyond hollow proclamations of diversity
Fire service leaders need to lead the way forward with social, technological and financial adaptations
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Linda Willing about diversity, challenges facing women in the fire service, generational differences and mentoring the next generation
In this episode, host Marc Bashoor speaks with Fire Chief Joanne Rund about the running a combination department and joining at the top spot
Research examines the impact of the job on pregnant firefighters
IN THE NEWS
Mayor Lori Lightfoot chose Acting Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt to be the first woman to head the Chicago Fire Department
The remodel will add more separate bathrooms and showers and individual sleeping areas rather than an open dorm
Syracuse Fire Department Lt. Tamica Barnett, 36, said she looks forward to setting an example for others
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
Methuen Firefighter-EMT Tracy Blanchette, a 27-year department veteran and the city’s first female firefighter, says a less experienced male firefighter was granted the promotion
Clinton Firefighter-EMT Kacie Ortiz comes to the department with EMS experience and said she is eager to complete her full fire academy training
Flint Deputy Fire Chief Carrie Edwards-Clemons has served with the department for 21 years and is also Flint’s first female deputy chief
Hammond Firefighter-Paramedic Jaclyn Seberger is the fourth woman to be hired by the department in its history
Retired Boynton Beach Deputy Fire Chief Latosha Clemons, the department’s first black female firefighter, questioned why she and a past chief were removed from the mural
Tucson Fire Department Captain Jacki deHaro had battled an aggressive form of lung cancer
Dozens of FDNY members spoke in a demonstration on Sunday, and an FDNY engine honked in support of a group of protesters on Saturday night
The city’s public arts manager was also fired after images of the city’s first black female firefighter and deputy chief and past chief were replaced
Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons has been with the department for 19 years and comes from a family of FDNY firefighters
Panama City Fire Engineer Amanda Scoggin said she would encourage more women to go into firefighting and have confidence that they can rise up the ranks
Council members raised concerns over hiring practices after noting the low proportion of minority first responders in the minority-majority city
The plan focuses on recruitment of women and minorities and includes changes to the agency’s professional standards
Boulder Fire-Rescue seeks to increase its number of female firefighters from 7% to 25% within the next 10 years
Officials say Firefighter Sarah Reasoner’s athleticism and passion make her the perfect role model to inspire female recruits
The firefighter is suing her former private employer for gender discrimination, saying she was mistreated by male colleagues and an executive
The strength competition, hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger, helped raise money for California fire departments
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