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.
A detailed look at what we know about female firefighters’ on-the-job experiences and health impacts
FEATURES & PROFILES
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
Firefighters can still achieve crew camaraderie without communal space living situations
IN THE NEWS
An attorney for St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large said the allegations are politically motivated
Firefighter Kathryn Johnson settled into the normal life of firefighting after two World Cups and the 2016 Olympics
Michael Washington claims he was not given prior notice of his firing or an opportunity to respond to any complaints
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
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