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.
FEATURES & PROFILES
Personal reflections on diagnosis, support systems, treatment, recovery and the path ahead
Consistency and persistence of inclusive values will help the fire service leaders move beyond hollow proclamations of diversity
Fire service leaders need to lead the way forward with social, technological and financial adaptations
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Linda Willing about diversity, challenges facing women in the fire service, generational differences and mentoring the next generation
A third-generation firefighter’s story of finding her passion in a male-dominated industry
IN THE NEWS
The selected women will be trained as part of the National Park Service’s Women in Fire Program
The funds could go toward building or renovating stations, adding emission control systems, installing backup power systems and building personnel quarters
“I will miss you all terribly,” said Lt. Adrienne Walsh, who served for 27 years
Casilia Loessberg’s participation in anti-sexual-harassment training empowered her to “fully fight the mistreatment she was enduring,” her lawsuit said
Board members rejected calls by female and minority crewmembers to look outside the agency for a more diverse candidate pool
Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake worked in the fire department for 30 years
In the last 10 years, the Lexington Fire Department has more than doubled the number of women on staff to 27
Giselle Fetterman, whose husband is Senator-Elect John Fetterman, says she is excited and ready to learn
The department must implement a plan to hire more women and non-white firefighters and upgrade stations to accommodate women’s privacy
She joined the department in 2014, was named first deputy commissioner, and recently has been serving as acting commissioner
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