female firefighters

[mfdengine5]

looking for female firefighters to correspond with and compare departments...

[D.Kazeck]

Our department is about half women. Have alot of great support from most male firefighters in our area. Cops seem to be another story.

[Fire702]

Willing to write back and forth here

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I walk where the Fire Dances

[EngineCoGirl]

Okay, well get a topic going and we'll write back and forth.

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~Real heros wear SCBA, not capes~

[Capt_46]

I really like that saying " real heros wear scba... not capes!! that is GREAT!!!

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Cap

[mfdengine5]

Do any of you have fitness programs that your department provides? Or ideas from your own programs would be great!

[EngineCoGirl]

Thank you Capt 46 http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif Everyone else has pretty much crucified me for writing that all over. But the sad part is thati got it out of Firehouse Magazine! Obviously others are taking it wrong. Anywayz...to get this female firefighter board going i'd like to know how my fellow firewomenz get treated by their dept. I'm the only girl in my hose company and it's pretty good for the most part. There have been a few incidents though. And no, we don't have any fitness programs for our good o'l volunteer dept. You guyz should see some of our firemen! LoL http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif

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~Real heros wear SCBA, not capes~

[mfdengine5]

hi there...i love the saying, i guess those who don't are the ones who are still living in the good ole days...one thing i've noticed in the fire services is that change can be a painful process for some...i'm a lieutenant on an engine co. downtown, yes there were some who had real problems when i was promoted, funny though it seemed to be with those who had not worked with me before...

what do you do to stay in shape? yes, i know some of those bodies are a sight to behold...LOL

[Nik]

I'm the only female on our volunteer department (there used to be two others, one left for maternity and another left for grad school) and have an overwhelming amount of support from the guys on the department. It's great.

I'm curious to hear more responses from women on volunteer departments, as they seem to have less women than career departments.

And as for fitness, maybe a topic would help me get back to the gym again. grins

[firechick1]

I have been a member of two different VFD. One where I was the only woman...and was treated wonderfully. The one I belong to now (surprisingly) is probably over 50% women on the volunteer operational side (we're part of a combo dept). I ran into more problems in my profession (I'm a fire investigator) but I think that's because of my age not because I am a woman.

[Nik]

so, here's a topic (and any fitness tips would be great).. why did you join the fire department in the first place?

My husband had been in the local vol. fire department for about a year and a half. When he first started, I was woefully irritable. grins I bitched everytime I heard the tone go off (particularly at 2 a.m.). Somehow, my attitude changed. I became more interested in what they did. My attitude came around completely, particularly when I heard the department's only women had left.

I wanted some little girl to dream about being a firefighter. I felt a little like I was bursting into the all boy's club at first, but I worked hard to prove I was just as capable as any other new person.

Recently, we had a tractor trailer rollover and I was the first of two firefighters on scene. I swiftly realized *I* had to take command control, calling for more firefighters on the scene, etc, until an officer got on scene. Later, many members on my department said I handled the tricky situation in a calm and swift manner.

I don't want to be a career firefighter (I like my current career too much), but as a volunteer, I've become a dedicated member.

One funny: it's been a long time since any woman's voice has been on the radio as a firefighter. I was responding to one call and the officer I was speaking to over the radio kept thinking I was the dispatcher! When they hear a women's voice now, they know that's Nik over at Woodbury Fire.

be safe, everyone.

[Scott Clark]

Engine Company Girl I have to agree with the Captain, you have an excellent profile signature! I'm glad to see this type of forum being posted. I am a firm supporter of women in emergency services, though I do take a lot of flack for it. One thing I have noticed as I speak with sister firefighters from around the country, that there is a big discrimination problem in the central part of the United States involving women. Is this just my imagination or is it true? I would like to hear from anyone that agrees or disagrees.

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If we stand united.... We will never fall.

[Bryant]

Hi all

I hope you don't mind a male reply http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif

We don't have female firefighters

Out of 170 Paid-on-Call members in my fire dept. we currently have 7 women on staff. In the last ten years since the first woman was hired we have had a total of 15 women employed in suppression.

Being an old crewdog i remember the days so very long ago when the FD was considered a male domain. I also remember the near panic it caused when the first woman applied for our FD. The arguments against were many and varied. Having had an aunt and a mother who were both volunteer firefighters during WW2 in Britain, I'm afraid i couldn't understand what the big deal was.

Making a long story short, we hired some women, and surprise surprise, some did excellent jobs, some did adequate jobs, some did poor jobs... just like the men. The real surprise was how the men reacted when faced with the reality of the women in the firehalls. It almost immediately became a non-event. Almost universally the men realized that the women were there to do the same job as them, and to do it to the best of their ability. I'm proud to serve in a department that doesn't have "female firefighters"...or "male firefighters".. we just have "Firefighters"

~Bryant
"we're not heroes, we're professionals"

[Pelican Lake]

I'm the only female on our volunteer dept. of 13 members on the roster. We did have our only other female about 10 years ago but she could'nt make it through training. I have to admit I got a better response out of our guys than I thought I was going to get when I joined about 2 years ago. But I think that has more to do with My being an EMT for 6 yr and responding to scenes for them than anything else. (our fire & ambulance are separate, and there is only one other EMT on our dept. & that's our Chief) So I'm kind of good to have around. We don't have a exercise program for our small dept. it's left up to the FF to stay in shape. And yes we have some biggies. http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif my hubby for one!

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People Helping People

[mfdengine5]

Bryant...i love your attitude...i can say that i have had a great time with my life in the fire department, with great support from the firefighters around me...i try to reinforce the teamwork attitude...everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, i feel like my job as a leader is to be aware of the abilities of my team members and help to develop those abilities...although i'm a fairly new lieutenant and quickly learning there are big differences in what motivates people...

as for physical fitness, i try to do some cross training...i want to develop some fire related drills that can be done around the engine house, any ideas?

[Nik]

great attitude, Bryant, I hope one day everyone will be able to say "firefighter" and think both men and women. Although, I'm always interested in talking to other firefighters who happen to be women (heh). I think there's a kind of cameraderie to be shared, but I don't think it's exclusive.

I enjoy not being the newest person on the department, it's heartening to be able to tell someone else something I know and they don't.

I'd be curious if any of the firefighters here are mothers.

[Ladder57]

As I look over the posts from females currently active in firefighting, a smile comes to my face to see that females are being accepted more readily than when I was active in the 1970's and 1980's. I fought very hard to be accepted. I worked very hard to develop and maintain upper body strength, which of course is one of the most overheard arguments as to why females should not be in the fire service. It was my personal experience that the following statement was true in most depts at that time: "If you are a man and you join a fire dept, you're OK till you do something wrong. If you are a female, you are not OK till you do something right. I conquered many obstacles and I am happy to say that eventually I was accepted.
Ladies and Gentlemen, lets remember when we walk through the doors of our respective stations and put on our uniforms, we are each responsible for our own safety and the safety of our brothers and sisters. Each of us should maintian a high level of physical strength,agility,competency,an d knowledge of our nemesis, "the red devil of love".
It shouldn't matter whether the person on the knob or at the tip of the ladder is male or female, simply that they can do the job, and fight the good fight. Take care and stay safe, all!

[Pelican Lake]

Re: Nik's quest for "Mother FireFighters"
I'm a 42yo female and I have two daughters, a 19yo and a 21yo (the 21yo is presently in the Navy and also a FireFighter)

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People Helping People



[This message has been edited by Pelican Lake (edited June 04, 1999).]

[Fire702]

I need to set myself up a fitness program and I was wondering if anyone could help me do that or has any ideas!!

Thanks

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I walk where the Fire Dances

[mfdengine5]

FITNESS PROGRAMS?, hmmm....hey fire702, i'll tell you what i've been doing, but i'm always looking for new workout ideas, so i'd welcome all advise from others. i played collegiate basketball, a little before weight training became trendy, so i had good cardiovascular, and mediocre upper body. seems like i'm still playing catch up...i try to mix up my cardio with running and biking. our station is 2 stories and on a hill, so i try to include that when i run at work, add some hand weights for adventure...i've also got the guys doing taebo, that's really good for some laughs. as for lifting weights, i change up my routine every week, i do mostly supersets because i hate to sit around between sets...i'm trying to set up a course at the station for both training purposes and as a workout, any ideas?

[JAY FROM OHIO]

I am happy to see that there are woman in the fire service that DON'T use their sex as a crutch. I am one of three paid woman on my department. There are 4 or so volunteers that are woman. The paid and one of the volunteer all stand up to the challenges that are faced daily. The remaining volunteers are always asking how tasks can be modified since they are female. I have scrapped with them on many occasions. This is not a profession to enter hoping for an easy day or that a pair of long legs and short skirt are your meal ticket. We had a girl in my professional who asked almost daily if the woman would have to do the same practicals as the men. This is the type of woman who gives her sisters in the fire service a bad reputation.
I am thankful to see that there are plenty of strong, intelligent, and capable women who are working hard to break down the walls that others are building.
Remember, fire cannot distinguish who is on a hoseline.
Take care all.

Jay

[Nik]

*salutes Ladder57* good words...

Pelican Lake: how long did you take off from the department while you were pregnant after you had your children, if you don't mind me asking? (I'm not planning on children yet, but I am thinking ahead to how smoke would affect a fetus, etc.) How wonderful for you to be an inspiration to your daughter, by the way!

Jay: I agree. We're all firefighters. In turnout gear, you're sexless. I get as just as filthy doing a rig check. I start the generator (it's a wound pull cord, not one of those nice new ones!) myself. I don't expect anyone to make it easier for me. I *do* wish I was stronger in upper body, but I'm sure that will come with time (and if I stick with a fitness program. Erk.

Thanks for the inspiration, all. You have my deepest respect.

-Nik

[stone35]

For curiosity sake, what major problems have you, as female firefighters, encountered and what have you done to rectify the problems?

Stone35

[This message has been edited by stone35 (edited June 10, 1999).]

[JAY FROM OHIO]

Stone- From my personal experience, my department was a good ol' boys department until about 3 years ago. I was, at that time, a volunteer. On more than one occasion I was told to go back to the station and fix breakfast or food for the "men". I kept my mouth shut on the scene, but boy did they hear about it later. Also when my engine company would report to IC, the IC would pull any woman out and ask them to play gopher and we would do nothing but roll up hoses. It took a change in leadership and some new female blood that stood up with me to say no more. Now we're one of the guys.


Jay

[fhchefs]

Hello Readers,

Just a note, our TV production company has just posted a topic in regards to a TV show we are producing entitled "Firehouse Chefs" We are searching for firefighters to appear on the program cooking their fav firehouse recipes as well as talking about fire safety, nutrition and fitness and other related topics. If interested please see our web-site at: http://members.aol.com/fhchefs/home/index.htm

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Chris Pfeifer
Executive Producer
Firehouse Chefs, Inc.

[bjff/paramedic]

Chris, If you want some really good cooks you should contact the firefighters at the Binghamton Fire Department in Binghamton, NY. I did my paramedic class ride time there with my senior preceptor firefighter/paramedic Mike Igo. The guys cooked every night. And man, they cook better then my mother does. They made this stuff called putanase (I might have spelled that wrong). They're a great bunch.


To everyone else in this forum. I have been a member of 3 different volunteer depts. In my first dept. I was the first 16 y/o female firefighter in my county. I was accepted and if I was given any crap I just gave it right back. My second dept. I joined while I was in paramedic class. There about half the dept. was female but it was really hard to get treated equally. They held back my green tags(interior) for over 6 months. Keep in mind that I had been in over a dozen house fires and was trained higher then most of the members there. I had been an interior firefighter for 3 years when I went to this dept. When I was in my paramedic class I rode out with a ff/paramedic in the city of Binghamton fire dept. They don't have any women cause only one or two has applied and they dropped out of the testing process before it was over. It was their own faults for giving up. At first I was a little hesitant. It was wierd cause the guys were being over polite for the first 2 weeks. They were opening the doors to the ambulance for me on calls. I told them that I really appreciated it but to just treat me like one of the guys. From there on it it was great. We got along real well and I enjoyed every minute I spent there. Now I belong to another dept. I wanted to do firefighting here but I am in the process of moving again. Into another dept. that has openly welcomed me and wants to get me interior ASAP. They have over a dozen female firefighters in their dept. I look forward to the challenges there. Plus I am training to compete next year in Syracuse for the Firefighter Combat Challenge for my first time. I really want to finish it and my goal is to break the world record within the next 5 years. And finally I am done writing for now. Keep safe and take care

billi-jo, FF/AEMT-P

"our first job as a firefighter is fire prevention."

[Pelican Lake]

Re:NIC
As for how long I took off while I had my daughters?.....I've only been in the firefighting side for a few years. If I were you, I'd see my MD and ask she/he what they thought I should do. With all the stuff we do know, and alot of the stuff we don't know about the effects of the smoke and the by-products, I don't think I'd take a chance with a fetus. I think I'd take "in-station detail" as soon as I knew. Good Luck when you decide to have one.

Anyone have a "basics" exercise plan that I could get our "Guys" to exercise with. Our dept doesn't have a program, so if it's not on paper they feel they don't need to do it. I'd real like to get ALL of us in better shape. Any Ideas would be helpful. You may either "post it" or e-mail it to me. Thanks

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People Helping People

[Diane]

There's an organization out there called Women in the Fire Service and they have a newsletter that comes out monthly. It's got good information -- not just for females.

Also, I just picked up a book (under $6 at K-Mart) called Fighting Fires by Catherine Paul, one of (or the) first female in San Francisco.

[Andy Henne]

Hi all,

Another male perspective. Hope you don't mind. I am a captain at an active duty Air Force base fire department and about 8 months ago we had a young lady transfer in from the fire school at Goodfellow AFB in TX.

We were initially supposed to get three females, but ended up with only one. I watched with interest the reactions of those here when they found out she was coming. I think the prevailing feeling here was would she be able to do it. This dept. has not had a woman in many years, so I think the guys were perhaps unsure as to how to act. I told them, treat her as a firefighter and don't worry about anything else. Treat her with respect and things will be fine.

Anyway, she arrived and I was happy to see that she was what I describe as a little stick of dynamite. I have seen her embarass the guys on a regular basis. I really enjoy her thirst for knowledge. She wants do so much, and she is a sponge. And she never complains, which is not something you can say about the guys.

One of you mentioned fire can't tell who's on the attack line. That is so true. When this girl is on my truck, I can't tell who is who, except for the helmets and her stature (she's quite small). But I don't think about it because she does her job and does it well.

To those of you who are running into problems-keep plugging along. I've seen poor female firefighters just like the guys. Sex doesn't matter- it's the firefighter who does. And yes, we have "firefighters" here too, not female or male FF's. And we don't have firemen anymore... Keep your chins up and I'm here for a male perspective if anyone wants... Not all guys are threatened by a girl in bunkers... I think 2000 is almost here..?

Anyway, gotta go- all you take care and be safe...

Andy
Captain/EMT
Malmstrom AFB Fire/Rescue

[mfdengine5]

diane - do you know the address for the newsletter? i'd like to get on the mailing list....

andy - thanks for your support, i'm sure it means alot to all of us who are really trying and want to do a great job...

[Diane]

Women in the Fire Service
POB 5446
Madison, WI 53705

Tele: 608-233-4768
Fax: 608-233-4879
E-mail: info@wfsi.org

Membership rates range from $15 to $125 with $5 added for out of US mailings.



[This message has been edited by Diane (edited June 28, 1999).]

[Oxford Fire Police]

I have been in the fire service for 6 years now. I belong to a majority male volunteer fire department. For the most part the guys have always been excellent. A couple of times I have had to prove myself. I am a second generation firefighter, and some of the guys thought I was there to be my dad's shadow. They have seen different. I recently went to our regional fire attack school, it was great to see so many other females than when I went a few years before.

As for being a mother, I am that too-she'll be three. I took off from the time I found out I was pregnant until six weeks after I had her; from active service. I still attended meetings. During that time the fire chief I was approached to help form a Fire Police Unit in my town. That was three years ago and I am being considered for a promotion to Lieutenant.

Well gotta go, stay safe everyone!



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Maria Hilligoss, Administrative Assistant Oxford Fire Police Oxford, ME

[Diane]

Since I already posted once under this topic, I might as well go for the gusto!

I am one of three females in a 112 year old 100% volunteer dept. that has close to 100 members (not all are as active since they are getting up there in age). I hold the "record" = 9 years. One as a Junior Explorer and eight as a FF. The very first female made it to five years and went social. She was the sister of a FF and also the girlfriend then wife of a FF turned Chief (been Ex-Chief for a few years now). She also had a daughter between marriage and going social. It was hard to have two FF's in the house with a baby -- who watches the baby and who goes to calls?!? I joined at the end of her tenure, so we really weren't in together long. The next female to stay past probation (1 year) joined about 2-3 years ago and is a former ladies auxialary (sp?) member who wanted to do more............And the third (just joined in April) is a newly divorced FDNY EMT or medic, I'm not too sure. I won't comment on either one. All I will say is that the three of us are complete opposites!

To say it's been a complete joy would be lying. There were numerous times I wanted to give it all up do to juvenile activities and to get my "sanity" back. I actually sought out a therapist and anti-depressants after graduating college and one day last summer I came to realize that it wasn't ME it was THEM -- members actually younger than me, too. I hardly have any female friends since I am always hanging with the guys, hence I don't have a boyfriend either!!! (I posted a reply under the relationship topic, so I will not get into that.) It has also trying on my mother since I am an only child and my dad is a member.....I think she gets jealous since dad and I are really close.

And to make a long story shorter, I loved the fire service so much I opted to not study journalism at a prestigious four-year school. I got my AAS in Crimianl Justice from a community college and graduated in 97 from UNH with two BS degress in fire science. Currently, I am at a state hospital working in the pharmacy. It's difficult to find employment with no experience! And it's more difficult to move out of state when one pays for four student loans.

All in all, I have met a lot of great people (and a lot of not so great ones, too). I've dined with politicians, won awards, lived in a fire house two times while interning two times in DC, and have had many opportunites that not everyone gets.

I hope I haven't taken up too much space! http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif



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B.S. Fire Science Administration
B.S. Arson Investigation
UNH Class of '97

[Oxford Fire Police]

Diane
I understand where you're coming from on the boyfriend aspect and on the mother issue. I've been in the service, 1 year Jr., 2 years full service, 3 years Fire Police, for a total of six years.

My mom has had a hard time with it over the years. My dad is also a vetern firefighter, and there were comments on the fact we spent a lot of time together.

Has for boyfriends, I had a hard time finding guys that would look past my bunker boots. I'm married to a retired firefighter from an adjoining town. No, we didn't meet through the fire service-but for the most part he does understand my relationship in the fire service and is very supportive.

Keep your head up, it's great to hear someone with similar fire service stories.

Maria

[Nik]

Thanks for all the maternity advice, it's good to keep in mind even though we don't plan on having kids for at least a few more years.

I might have mentioned this before, but since it was brought up, I'm married to a volunteer firefighter (he was the one who got me into it, actually), which I see as a tremendous benefit in the relationship. It was really difficult for me to deal with the scanner, 3 a.m. calls and such until *I* started on the department. Now, I don't mind it.

Hoping everyone's safe and sound...

Nik

[firejinx104]

Hello everyone. http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif
I am a Lieutenant on a small department of around 25-30 members. It is a volunteer department in NC. We currently have 2 females(a junior ff and myself)on my department http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif I have been on the department for almost 5 years. I had problems when I first joined, but now not so much. My dad is on the department so I knew most of the guys already. The hardest thing is being an officer now. I have some young guys that have problems taking orders, but I have ways of making them see my way http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif Besides that I have to say I am spoiled. http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/wink.gif



[This message has been edited by firejinx104 (edited July 09, 1999).]

[Deb Gustke]

Good Morning and greetings from Battle Creek, MI. I am the daughter of a deceased firefighter. Back when my father was in the department, before SCBA were mandatory, there weren't any women firefighters. Boy have things changed here in the last 35+ years. I got this big http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif when I heard my first female firefighter on the radio.

Firefighting - beating the enemy and safeguarding the community.

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[mfdengine5]

hey firejinx...i understand where you're coming from, i've been on 7 years, just made lieutenant about a year and a half ago...i have all young guys with less time on than myself....i think that helps though because they're don't remember the "good ole days" keep up the good work!

[FireMedic314]

Another male opinion barging in. We currently have two females on the fire side of our company. My wife is an Fire Instructor 4 and a paramedic. She followed me up to the station one day to see why I spent so much time there. She is one of our fire LT's now, and responsible for pre-plans and Public Ed. The other is my daughter. She is a FF-1, EMT and is also quite good at it. She grew up with it and is chairperson of the Retention and recruitment group.

We don't say the word fireMAN in our house. It has always been firefighter and proud of it.

[Pelican Lake]

For everyone in the fire service but especially women, there is a great organization call "Women in the Fire Service" their web site is www.wfsi.org (http://www.wfsi.org) they have alot of info about women fire fighters and dealing with the problems we do. They also have a packet on "Reproductive safety / maternity issues" check them out!

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People Helping People

[lite]

hi
nice to see this topic board,ive been a firefighter for the govt on a military base for almost 2 yrs,the guys i work with have been great,my crew has been through a few tough times and we have all pulled together.they treat me great. At first it took awhile but now they can see i can do the job,they treat me well...like one of the boys which can be good and bad http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gifso just to say so far so good, i like my job so far its the best ive had

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always learning!

[kiddo]

Hi everyone,
I am a female Jr. FF in a small volunteer department in NC...we only have around 30 people. There are 8 women in our department and there's not usually anything said our status as females. We get a lot of encouragement from the guys around the station, and we are all learning as we go.

[snake_eng313]

I have to give the women in the fire service thumbs up. You all are a breath of fresh air. The women in our department somehow complete the puzzle. Sometimes its pretty funny but you get Joe Testosterone firefighter and you pair him up with Brandy Brain and you have got a well rounded team. Seriously though, I think women in the service are a nice balance. I have to agree with the above comments, no firemen and no firewomen just firefighters hand in hand heros.
Thanks for listen,
Snake

[mfdengine5]

WHEN I STARTED THIS TOPIC I NEVER IMAGINED I'D GET SO MANY REPLIES...JUST HEARING FROM YOU "FIREFIGHTERS" INSPIRES ME... I'M GLAD TO HEAR SO MANY POSITIVE RESPONSES...THANKS AND LETS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK....

[BLEVE]

We have two ladies out of 50 firefighters. One is a grandma, the other is a new hire with a little boy. I think its great. I have a lot of respect for any women that becomes a firefighter. It takes a special person, male or female, to do the crazy things that we do. You gals are a great asset. Thanks for your dedication.

[MAGGIE425]

it nice to see so much support around the nation for female firefighters. i have been one for 5 yrs. also an emt for 8. i was very young when i started, and didn't get alot of support from my family, altough my grandpa had been a fire chief for 20 yrs. he was bit "old fashioned". they all accept it now. i am a memeber a very large what was a volunteer fire dept.(500 memebers 8000 calls). but we are now on a paid incentive program and we will go combination on 1-1-00.
i hope to be there as a career ff/emt. but that remains to be seen. every one keep up the good work chat at you later feel free to email me for any reason.

see ya

[Kris]

Hello all!

I have really enjoyed reading through the posts on female fire fighters. I will soon be starting as a volunteer. I was wondering if there's any advice you might have that would help me in getting started?

The department will put me through an academy in October, so that gives me a little time to get in shape. Any thoughts there would be appreciated too!

-Kristyn

[firetiger29]

Hi everyone
I am a female rural fire fighter in New Zealand. I am the only female in the department and i have a great relationship with the 25 guys I work with. There may have been some apprehension when I first joined one year ago, but I have proven to them and to myself that I am more than capable for the job. Which by the way, I love. It links both the physical and mental attitudes of which I have been unable to do in any other job.

In reply to the subject of being a mother and a fire fighter..........I have a 7 year old son, (i have been a widow for 4 years), and i have wonderful network of babysitters who at the drop of a hat, will look after him, including my wonderful parents, who are to say the least a little unsure, but proud of my choosen carear.

I have a great respect for the other fire fighters with whom i work and we have forged a very close bond. This, unfortunatly is not understood by my current boyfriend. He doesn't realise the commradship I have with my crew is born out of respect and concern for each other. The life and death situations which we as fire fighters face brings about a bond that others outside of the job don't seem to understand.

Well everyone.....time to go.........take care.......stay low and stay safe.

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If you love doing it................you can't call it work.

[emt9898]

I just joined my local fire company and i am one of 3 three females. one has been there for over a year and the other joined when i did. Me growing up in the same area and alot of my friends in the fire service i knew alot of the guys befor i joined. I am also an EMT which is where i know alot of the guys from also... and for the most part the guys r really great.. both our cheif and out captin are also in EMS. They treat us like one of the guys..we r all there to do the same job and we r there cause we like doing it not cause we r paid.....The biggest problem i have had was finding gear that fit!!!! anyone else have that problem???????

[B.WALLACE-EMT]

IT IS SO GREAT TO SEE SO MANY WOMEN IN THE FIRE SERVICE. I HAVE BEEN A VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER FOR THREE YEARS, AND I LOVE IT.

[TAYLOR]

HELLO FELLOW SMOKE EATERS. IF YOU DONT MIND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT AS LONG AS YOU DO THE JOB RIGHT AND ALWAYS PUT OUT THE FLAMES WITHOUT LOSS TO HUMAN LIFE, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE MALE OR FEMALE. COME ON GUYS, TIME TO STOP STEREOTYPING WOMEN. I HAVE SEEN MEN FREEZE UP TO WHERE THEY HAD TO BE PULLED OUT OF A FIRE, AND YOU KNOW WHO PULLED THEM OUT, A WOMEN THAT CAME RIGHT BACK IN TO FIGHT THE BEAST. I HAVE BEEN A NAVAL FIRE FIGHTER FOR OVER 5 YEARS NOW AND SOME OF THE BETTER FIRE FIGHTERS I HAVE MET ARE WOMEN. GOOD JOBS GIRLS! YOU ARE WELCOME TO MY DEPT. ANYTIME!

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FIRE FIGHTERS DON'T DIE, THEY JUST GO TO HELL TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES!

[DLewisARFM]

Hello - Greetings....

Didja' ever want to be a firefighter when you were a child?

What are some of your earliest childhood recolections of firefighters?

Did you play with toy fire engines or perhaps even pretend games of “fireman”?

Why do you think popular American society associate young children, (especially boys), with wanting to be firefighters?

Indeed do children look upon firefighters as role models and objects of aspiration, and if so which children (what about women and African Americans?) and why? These are the central questions to be addresses in the traveling museum exhibition tentatively entitled "Didja' Ever Want To Be a FIREMAN?"

I am currently collecting artifacts and information for this project and I need YOUR help. . . .

An "on-line" survey has been posted on the Fire Museum Network's web site along with more detailed information on the project and a brief summary of my research to date. I am especialy interested in collecting surveys from females who are (or want/wanted to be) involved in the fire service. Please take a moment to fill out the survey, and peruse the related information. Any comments, suggestions, questions, or ideas, would be greatly appreciated!

The info is posted at:
http://www.firemuseumnetwork.org/didja.html
Didja Ever Want To Be A FIREMAN?

Thanks for your comments and assistance. — David Lewis — dlewisarfm@aol.com

[Fire702]

I just wanted to say. That I have been a Firefighter/EMT for 3 1/2 years and a cadet way before that and I have never really had any problems with any of the guys not thinking that I can't do the job. The only problem that I ever have had came from the guys that have known me most of my life they had a hard time just like my dad did about sending their little girl as they used to call me into a burning building cause they were afaird I would get hurt. But, now I don't really have that problem to much. The only time that I have really run into a problem with men not thinking that I could do my job is a group of rural firefighters. But, the guys I was with on that timber fire told them that I could handle my job better then they could and that I knew what I was doing. On that call I showed them That I could do a lot better job then they could because while they stay pretty far away from the flames. The guys got me right up in there. They could not believe it. At the end of the call they said that they were sorry.

I have also learned with the help of the guys that there are somethings that I cannot do and that there is nothing wrong with it. One of the things I have learned with their help is that I cannot carry a person that is to much bigger then me that is uncousious down a some ladders because of my size (I'm small)it's not that I'm not strong enough to do it it just that my arms don't reach around the ladder that far. And we are working on coming up with some other ways that would be safe for me and the person I'm carrying down the ladder to get down safely. Just in case I ever have to get someone bigger the me that is uncousious down a ladder. If anyone has any ideas let me know.
Well thats all.

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I walk where the Fire Dances

[EPFD-AL]

About 10-15 years ago I started looking back into my volunteer fire department's history.
I found piles of old books filled with the minutes of meetings, boxes of old photographs, and records of fines and dues.

In this waist high pile of paper I found out that during World War II more than 3/4 of the members went off to defend our country.
The war didn't stop fires from breaking out, so the women got involved.

In that time period over 20 women came forward to battle fires; and did it without SCBAs, radios, or any of the things we take for granted today.

The women that served in the fire service
during WWII while their husbands, sons, or fathers were away at war should be given some special recognition.

[edfc]

I think that bringing women into this business has brought some class to the job. I wish there were more of them. We have been trying to get some of the wives at our volunteer station to come aboard as drivers since we are in need of them during the day.

[e33]

Women as drivers of fire apparatus?? are you on crack!! http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif sorry gals..couldnt resist that one! All in fun though.

[kat]

I have really enjoyed reading the posts here and am glad that everyone seems to have had positive experiences as female firefighters.
I am a lieutenant with a volunteer brigade in South Australia. I am very interested to see that there seems to be a strong thread of women becoming involved through relationships with male relatives or partners (also through the more traditional avenue of EMS areas). The South Australian Country Fire Service consists of 18 000 volunteers in 450 stations throughout the state. Of these 18 000 members 4% are female. Surveys have indicated that about 99% of these female members have a partner or male relative in the service. Once introduced to the joys of responding to a nasty MVA at 3am in the pouring rain I am sure most of us are well and truly hooked!! I
hope the next step is that we see more women see the fire service as an option regardless of the male relative factor!!!
I'd love to swap more stories with you guys.
PS - I am a mum of 2 boys aged 8 and 9
PPS - I am a bloody good fire appliance driver - no crack here! Sorry couldn't resist that either <grin>

[gitchell]

I am a female firefighter with a small co
in VA I was the 2nd female with the company
I did not have much trouble until I became pregnant at that point some of the male members wanted me to quit I stayed and was restricted for saftey reasons and I am married to a member we met when I became a firefighter I am also a police officer and we don't have any trouble there either I am pregnant again and did not recieve the grief about it this time I have really enjoyed reading the posting on this site I just found it I will be keeping up with it now I am also a driver it is one thing they still let me do.

[NH Fire Fighter]

I can relate to a few of you on some topics but other I have no idea....I am one of five women on a small department. There are many guys on the CVFD that think women should be on the auxillary and not be an active member on the fire department. The chief is a strong believer that women should be on the FD. Sooner or later the guys will learn. They guys on my department saw and heard how well a woman can fight fire. They sent a woman in on the attack line and she knocked the fire down, then she received a good job from the state fire marshal. That right there told the CVFD that women can do just as good a job as men,if not better.

I think in this day and age we need more women in the Fire Service. We can prove our worth and ability just like guys can.

I just wanted to comment on the quotes. I think they are awesome. Keep up the creative minds.