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.
Using this word tells every woman who serves in this beloved profession that she doesn’t belong – and signals to young girls that they shouldn’t join
FEATURES & PROFILES
The harassment and assaults began when she was 16 and continued for years, with those in charge treating her as the perpetrator, not the victim
We’ve built a solid body of evidence on firefighter health and well being for the white male majority group, yet have little data on others
Making sure PPE fits is more than an issue of comfort; it’s a safety issue, and that goes for women as well as men
Taking a deliberate approach to recruiting underrepresented segments of the population will boost fire department ranks and its overall quality
Being ill-prepared for things like firefighter pregnancy and breastfeeding hurts a department’s ability to attract the best firefighters and stay out of court
Firefighters are built to help, and we should be asking how we can help our fellow firefighters, not why do they want special treatment
The issues facing women in the fire service are telling of a systemic crisis of leadership
The tales of two women highlight the challenges many women face pursuing their dream of being firefighters
IN THE NEWS
The Milwaukee Fire Department firefighter was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault by use of force against a female co-worker, according to officials
Hannah Lindemuth said she was inspired to join the fire service after first responders helped her say goodbye to her dying father
Lindsey Derby was a police officer and an EMT before becoming Kasson Fire and Rescue’s first female firefighter
Former Tampa firefighter Tanja Vidovic is suing the city in federal court, alleging sex discrimination
Capt. Phyllis Heitman will have served 30 years, seven months and nine days when she retires
A report said the department lacked evidence and allegedly manufactured allegations to demote Chief Martha Ellis
Researchers said new ideas from women can increase safety in fire departments, but the masculine culture can make some females feel unwelcome
U.S. Army veteran Rebecca Ackerman became the first female battalion chief in the history of the Austin Fire Department
Former firefighter Jessica Etzle is suing the department after she was allegedly told to “stay home with her young son”
The Malibu camp is the only all-female fire camp; inmates receive time off their sentence in exchange for service
The department is holding a “girls only” firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a firefighter
The verdict ended a 17-month battle, which stemmed from a Dec. 2015 house fire
Two female career firefighters were first on scene; they said a fire captain blocked their entrance and forcibly removed one of them from the porch
An equal opportunity recruitment policy was introduced after the department found that there were six female firefighters among 300 males
Bree Rios, whose father is a fire engineer, has always wanted to become a firefighter and work alongside her dad
Linda Long and Crystal Yates began their careers as paramedics and rose through the ranks
Chief Karen Brack helped modernize the department and develop mutual aid agreements
Dany Cotton shared her views on women in firefighting and the importance of challenging the stereotype that the service is for macho men
According to the NFPA, only 7 percent of firefighters are women in the United States
The last female fire recruit graduated from the program in 2008
Mona Markabani graduated from the fire academy in 2014 and was one of only two women in the graduating class
Shelly Pisano has served as the department’s secretary, treasurer and assistant chief
Carty Elizabeth Duff was an advocate for fire training, and completed 400 hours of training last week
The volunteer firefighters allegedly pushed a career firefighter and knocked her to the ground after she tried to enter a burning house
Mary Cameli was one of the department’s first female firefighters to join in the 1980s
The 29-year veteran said the highlight of her career was becoming a lieutenant
Proceeds from the project will fund a Ga. teen battling a rare form of cancer
Chief: “We’re excited to add these women to our roster of talented firefighters”
Arielle Bonilla was sworn in Monday, along with four other recruits
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