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.
Survey finds 55% of female firefighters had been assaulted or know someone else who had been assaulted during fire/EMS work
FEATURES & PROFILES
A third-generation firefighter’s story of finding her passion in a male-dominated industry
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
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”
IN THE NEWS
FDNY
The department must implement a plan to hire more women and non-white firefighters and upgrade stations to accommodate women’s privacy
FDNY
She joined the department in 2014, was named first deputy commissioner, and recently has been serving as acting commissioner
More than 30 girls received hands-on instruction and learned how to use equipment that police and fire use every day
Megan Warfield, a firefighter with Baltimore County and the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department, checked on a driver in an overturned vehicle
Lawyers for the city had warned council members the settlement could go as high as $500,000 if the offer had not been accepted
“I give 110% of myself,” said Amy Newman, who served with the Tonawanda department for about 12 years before she was injured in 2018
Eileen Parlato claims that the East Haven Fire Department has a long history of sexism and that the chief targeted her
The project allows for a restroom and showers for a female firefighter as well as expansion of living accommodations and the bunk room
Melanie Figueroa, who is one year over the maximum age limit to take the test, could be the Haverhill Fire Department’s first female firefighter
The paramedics and current or recent members of the fire prevention division said bias against Black women has affected their pay and opportunities
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