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.
Amid repeated setbacks and naysayers attitudes, I pushed forward to achieve my fire department dream
FEATURES & PROFILES
Before she could even speak the language after immigrating to America, the wife of the junior Pennsylvania senator dreamed of joining the fire service
Encouraged to join the department by a group she now leads, Wilson hopes to elevate the role of diversity in hiring practices
The only way to finally end sexual harassment within our ranks is if everyone speaks up when they see it or experience it
Retired Captain Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers a woman’s perspective on working in this male-dominated profession
As a woman in the fire service, I am so grateful for my extended family and this group of role models for my son
IN THE NEWS
Colleen Windsor claimed the Orange County Fire Authority had a “well-documented history of chauvinism and misogyny”
Former Easthampton Firefighter was sentenced to eight months in prison and two years probation
Baltimore County Fire Chief Joanne Rund led the department through the pandemic and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
The HERo’s Girl’s Fire Camp in Solano County empowers young women to consider a career in fire, EMS
Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg lists improving firefighter mental health, wellnes as an initial objective
Pine Hill Fire Department Chief Jessica Calandra looks at recruitment, morale and EMS challenges in the community
“What I’ve found is we’re all treated as equals here— it doesn’t matter how young or old you are —you’re a firefighter,” Cheat Lake VFD Firefighter Peggy Paulick said
Erin and Ashley Lucas are the only set of twins on the staff of the Lexington Fire Department, and they said that sometimes makes work a little more interesting
The HERo Girls Fire Camp empowers young women through hands-on experiences
Participants learn a variety of skills to expose them to the fire service and build confidence
ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
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