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.
Detailing the incremental change related to family leave, laws, station design, grooming, gear and leadership opportunities
FEATURES & PROFILES
Five recommendations to address the evolving needs of our newest workforce
A new study explores gender differences in PTSD and post-traumatic growth among firefighters, EMTs and medics
Often mistaken for a fire hose nozzle, Coit Tower stands as a celebration of San Francisco’s art, history and resilience
Personal reflections on diagnosis, support systems, treatment, recovery and the path ahead
As a woman in the fire service, I am so grateful for my extended family and this group of role models for my son
A third-generation firefighter’s story of finding her passion in a male-dominated industry
Ill-fitting PPE undermines rescue operations and sends female firefighters a dangerous message about belonging
The crew’s wealth of experience and dedication set a high bar in an environment where all-women crews were often scrutinized
Jayla Huelskamp became the first woman to win the Firefighting Skills event at SkillsUSA, inspiring her peers and paving the way for others to follow
IN THE NEWS
Katie Holloway, 22, joined the same station where her mother was stationed when she began her career in 1988
Carol Berghaus made a dramatic career change at age 42 when she went from a dental assistant to a firefighter
After steadily rising through the ranks in her 12-year career, she was voted chief by the 150-member department
Stephanie Pribble was inspired to become a firefighter-medic after riding in an ambulance during an emergency; she said she wants to be treated like any other recruit
The photo is part of photographer Tara Ruby’s “Uniformed Breastfeeding Portrait” collection
Danielle Kappeler developed an infection while waiting for a donor; her family hopes to raise awareness and get people interested about donating
The lawsuit alleges equipment tampering, clothing destruction, gender-related slurs and denial of promotions
The department has adopted a respectful workplace policy and will provide training to all firefighters and board members
The post has almost 40,000 likes and over 4,000 shares; some support the firefighter while others attacked the publicity
A town that saw 20 of its firefighters resign sees new claims by a fired enforcement official and a rally for the firefighters who left
Twenty volunteer firefighters, including the chief, resigned over a controversy involving its only female member
The forensic investigation into the death of Chelsea Michalesko concluded she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound
The lawsuit alleges equipment tampering, clothing destruction, gender-related slurs and denial of promotions
Officials said Chief Kenny Steiner could return to duty but only in an administrative role
Choeurlyne Doirin-Holder, 39, hurt herself while conducting a routine check of equipment
Kimberly Perreault said she was fired after raising concerns that male and female firefighters were being treated differently
The number of women firefighters will climb to a total of 49 – a landmark high in the FDNY’s 150-year history
Police said it started with text messages to the 16-year-old and developed into telling her to come over to his house
In an effort to better accommodate the growing number, the fire department is currently upgrading their living quarters
EMT Choeurlyne Doirin-Holder has failed to pass the training academy two times; FDNY gave her top firefighter pay for a desk job; she is getting a third shot at the test
The 33-year-old firefighter said the incident happened during a fire prevention program at an elementary school
Commissioner Daniel Nigro said they need to do a better job at recruiting female firefighters who have the physical ability and desire to do the job
Kara Kalkbrenner was named acting chief in January after Bob Khan announced he was retiring to spend time with his sick father
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