Can I really make it in a "man's world"?

[AZGirl]

Hi All-

I'm new to the list but have a real big question. I live in a smaller town, but with an excellent fire dept. There are currently 2 women firefighters, 1 has been there for about 10 years, the other is new. My question is this: I am a 5'3" 115 lb. girl, is this job a possibility for me? I am a tough cookie and am very fit and lift weights daily. But before I commit myself to this I want to get some opinions for WOMEN!! The last thing I want to do is but someone's life on the line. Most men don't think girls can do this and I was hoping to get some feedback from all of you. I look forward to hearing from you. God bless all of the lives lost, may they be in our prayers.
Thx, Johnna (ponderosashadows@cs.com) Ponderosashadows@cs.com

[jimthefireman]

AZgirl nobody can answer this question but yourself. There are many requirements for a firefighter, Physically you are up against it because of your slight build Also everyone now largely acknowleges that most women have to work very hard indeed to achieve the sort of upper body stregnth that even an unfit male seems to possess naturally. Given that firefighters are predominantly male, you may have to be able to adapt to working with people who have yet to get their head round the entire concept of females working in the role. It would be naieve to expect you would be judged by everyone solely on your own merits. Fair this is not but social reality it is. Anyone has the ability to achieve whatever they truly desire. Having said that there is a price to pay for that and oftentimes people either underestimate what that price will be, or when push comes to shove they are not prepared to pay it. One of the best firefighters I know is also one of the shortest. He makes up for this by being one of the strongest and fittest on the team and possessing a mental toughness that has won him universal respect. If you truly want this job, the respect of your colleagues and most of all, the knowlege that you are the equal of anyone else in the team you will have to be able to outperform the minimum department standard by a significant margin. Ultimatly you would be your own worst critic if a question of your physical competence arose. Only you will know if the price to achieve this is worth the effort.
Good luck in whatever you decide

[fieryred943]

Hey AZGirl...I agree with what jimthefireman said. Only you can answer that question "Is this job for you" One other thing you might ask yourself is "Why do you want to do this job" Two fold really...1. because you are going to get asked it in an interview.
2. make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, doing it for yourself.

Know what you are getting into. Accept the fact that there will be some who think you don't belong. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and then you prove them wrong. Others will be some what open minded but looking at how you perform. Work hard, keep your eyes & ears open and your opinions down to a minimum for the first little while.

Using me as an example... I have been on for about a year and a half. I was the first woman on my shift. Not the first in the dept. I pretty well kept my mouth shut and my eyes & ears open. I kept busy, asked questions, was constantly studying and learning where everything was on my trucks. Took the usual shots about being in the kitchen and that is where I belong etc....But that is what being a rookie is all about. Then came a time when I was told to relax...I had earned my keep so to speak. I come to work with a smile on my face and a good attitude. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else. I love my crew and would do anything for them. I now drive the Trucks and I still get the shots now and then. The saying goes "If they don't bug ya...they don't like you" So you either look at what you're not doing or what you are doing.

Dig deep...if this is what you want to do then make it happen! As my fire instructor said to me at the end of my interview for the fire college... "How badly do you want it"

I could go on forever about this...hope this helps. Email me if you have any questions at all. sl_tanner@yahoo.com

Cheers,
:D Stay safe & stay low
Shauna

[NCRSQ751]

The others give you good advice. The keys are simple:

1) Do your job

2) Constantly try to improve your performance (get all the training you can)

3) Don't ever ask for special favors (pull your weight)

[captstanm1]

As the others say...you can do what ever you put your mind to. Ask yourself why you are doing this? Is it because it is your hearts desire...then go for it... If it is to prove a point...dont bother.

I have worked with many female firefighters. Some of which are much better than some males. Also...I have openly said to them and others...I would rather have them on the line with me or driving me that some of the males who worked for me.

Good luck... If you want more information or have other questions...EMAIL Me.

God Bless Our Fallen Comrades!

[Firebear230]

AZGirl, hang in there. The job will be there if you really want it. Do your job, strive to learn, and believe in what you do. All rookies get kicked around in the beginning. The old-timers want to know if you are worth your salt. I've been there myself, and I've proven myself.

You have proven that you want to be there by posting your question. You can do it. Good luck, I think you will do well.

Stay safe and God bless our fallen Brothers and Sisters in NY.

[FLASHOVER00]

AZGIRL,

Whether your a male or female, there is one MAJOR factor in "whether you could make it or not". Do you have the heart for it? If the answer is yes, it doesn't matter what sex you are. The best of luck.