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.
The U.S. fire administrator reflects on the personal challenges she faced as a woman making her way up the fire service career ladder
FEATURES & PROFILES
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
Too many male firefighters are still not listening, especially when the message is coming from a woman
Health-related factors – obesity, fitness level, depression and others – impact injury risk for men and women alike
IN THE NEWS
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
The Sisters in Fire program allows young women to learn about wildland firefighting and test their skills in a prescribed burn
Captain Barbara Hack is suing the City of Topeka over her claim that she was passed over for promotions due to being a woman
Oakmont Assistant Borough Manager Phyllis J. Anderson said the addition of new firefighters has led to an order for more equipment
Female Baltimore County firefighters were the subject of online photo sharing and postings on a revenge porn social media site
FDNY
Officials say the 2023 class of probationary firefighters reflects increasing diversity in the department
SAFER grants, youth outreach and marketing are leveraged to help FDs answer calls
An attorney for St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large said the allegations are politically motivated
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