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.
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
FEATURES & PROFILES
Research examines the impact of the job on pregnant firefighters
Understanding the different models to facility design can help fire service leaders find the best solution for their department
The women offer insights for tackling challenges to inclusiveness in the fire service – and pushing back against the “haters”
Research shows that female firefighters face different risks than their male counterparts
Define what behaviors are off limits and what to do if an assault against emergency responders does occur
While exposed to the same on-the-job dangers as their male colleagues, female firefighters, EMTs and paramedics have different levels of risks
Female firefighters are held to the same standards as their male counterparts, and cannot be overlooked in firefighter recruitment campaigns
With more women than ever joining departments, open dorms and a lack of bathrooms make for a difficult work environment
Pregnancy should not require female firefighters to abandon their careers, pay and benefits in exchange for the safety of their baby
IN THE NEWS
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
The former fire rescue employee’s wrongful termination claim alleges she was unfairly singled out for her gender and social media use
Chief Kara Kalkbrenner said she has a positive outlook and will continue to lead after recovering from surgery
The change removes male-specific terminology and refers instead to “firefighters”
Portland Fire Chief Sara Boone calls her role an “amazing honor” and hopes to open more doors for female and minority firefighters
The three-woman crew says they have seen skepticism from both men and women about their abilities but don’t let it faze them
Firefighter-EMT Tamara Thacher died Tuesday after serving 31 years with the Sacramento Fire Department
Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Maize had been appointed as interim chief earlier this year, becoming the first woman leader in the department’s 150-year history
Records reveal that officials raised concerns about female cadets frequently being pulled out of training by the chief, who is accused of sexual harassment
The city’s mayor rejected allegations made by a federal commission that the fire department’s testing process for applicants was discriminatory
Longtime Duluth Fire Department Firefighter Marnie Grondahl is now the deputy chief of life safety and administration
The jury awarded Pvt. Judi Imhoff $150,000 related to gender discrimination, but jurors denied claims of discrimination made by a retired captain
Toledo female firefighters are speaking out after several complaints and legal issues have surfaced over the years concerning gender and racial discrimination
The City Council introduced a resolution that would authorize the hiring of the National Testing Network for a study of fire bureau’s hiring practices
Michelle Woolverton and Christi Shibata were sworn in recently as the department’s first ever full-time female firefighters since its inception 140 years ago
Donna Maize’s appointment marks a major milestone for a department that at one time was known for blatant sexual harassment and abusive treatment
The U.S. Forest Service is encouraging women to apply for wildland firefighting jobs in the Santa Fe and Carson national forests
Chief Deputy Tiffany Green will be the interim replacement for retiring Chief Benjamin Barksdale
Data collected will help manufacturers design firefighting gear specifically for females
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