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.
50 women offered insight into how their fire departments can support their personal leadership goals
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
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
Anne Sullivan and three other firefighters were killed while battling a motel blaze in 2013
Spell offered to volunteer as a firefighter for the department before being hired
Julie Fisher joined the ranks after doing a ride-along for a research report in college, and had been in firefighting ever since
Colly Fisher charges that even women who succeed are held to higher standards than men
Volunteer firefighter Donna Noble’s life was shattered when her only child was killed in a school bus crash; now she focuses on relieving other’s suffering
The new recruits, both in their 60s, said age doesn’t hinder their abilities and passion to serve the community
Jamie Wilson said she’s been bullied and harassed for nearly 10 years, but has had no help from her union
For the first time ever, this year’s top graduates of Toronto Fire Services are women
Melissa Llera is in charge of five fire stations and oversees the dive and technical rescue teams in Miami
The female firefighter claims that she was reprimanded and reassigned to another station when she told her superiors about the harassment
Erin Fairhead completed the London Marathon in 4:09; the previous world record was 5:38
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