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.
Retired Captain Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers a woman’s perspective on working in this male-dominated profession
FEATURES & PROFILES
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
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
Ruby has been assigned to Minneapolis Fire Station 7 for three months when she finally responds to her first house fire
Female chief officers show that harassment and discrimination know no rank
IN THE NEWS
“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
Cleveland updated its physical agility test in 2020 following the government’s findings of long-standing discrimination against women in the fire department
Kokomo Division Chief Glenda Myers claims male employees, who are not certified fire investigators, are regularly sent to investigate fires
“During the moment, we didn’t notice that we were all females,” Firefighter Stover said. “We just looked at each other as our crew for the night”
“HERo Fire Camp” in Marin County offered two days of hands-on experience for young women interested in the fire service
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