New female firefighter, how do I make it?

[jweinhart]

Im a brand new firefighter, Im one of three females and my fire department has a reputation for being one of the most physically demanding. How can I make it in this very masculine department?

[Firebear230]

Work hard, do your best at all times, show respect, and don't be afraid to have fun.

This job is all about family, that is one of the reasons that we can be so tough on probies. We want to make sure you have what it takes when the defication hits the fan. Hang in there. I remember my first day at my job, I thought "What am I doing here?". Now, I'm one of the gang.

Good luck, don't give up when it gets frustrating. ;)

[NCRSQ751]

I agree with firebear. I was the only female in my FD when I got here. I was also one of 3 females at my rescue squad.

Now I'm one of the guys at the FD and the Chief of the squad (the first one in my county).

I still have a hard time getting people to sit near me at Chief's meetings..it's kinda like 4th grade.. no one wants to sit with the girl...but I take it in stride and go on - and make sure to do it all with a BIG SMILE.

[nikp16]

when I joined, I was the only female in my department, but I was lucky, in a sense, because my husband was already on the department. Now, it's like having a lot of older brothers.

take it in stride, work hard and take pride in your work. Best of luck!

Nik

** In memory of the fallen **

[Minnfire]

(WARNING, MALE RESPONSE!! :D )

Take the advice of the well-known bumper sticker--when you're soaring with the eagles, don't let the turkeys bring you down. Not alway so easy with some lunkheads stuck in the 1920s, but hopefully you can be just "a firefighter" (not "a FEMALE firefighter") and can enjoy this work--it's rewarding, and I hope more and more women can join in the fun!

[Sparkie911]

With today’s “X” and ”Y” generations coming through the ranks, it is nice to see someone that cares about what it takes to make it in this job and not just be there to earn a paycheck. If every new firefighter (not just the women) would come on board with the attitude to work hard and to learn something new every chance they get be it from a book or practical application I would say they are going to win half the battle with that.

The other half is leaning to laugh at yourself. This is a big one because you will be laughed at and made fun of because that is life as a newbie. It is just easier when you can laugh with them and not get all bent out of shape. And stay in as good of physical condition if not better than the day you were hired. This is a physical job, and you need all the strength you can muster when the going gets tough. Lean good techniques that will help you to do your job better. You aren’t going to be able to “Man handle” everything, but with good techniques you can get the job done.

I have found the older guys on the job have been my biggest corner post. For them having a female at the station helps to tone the atmosphere down a bit. Whereas the newer guys come on board and try to treat me like ****. I did my time and I proved my worth to the guys I work with. When newboys come on board acting like a fool, my guys are there to back me up and let the fool know who is under a microscope and needs too prove their worth to the group.

It’s all in your attitude. Find a good one that fits you and stay with it.
Welcome to the ranks sister!

Sparkie

PS: You don’t have to be a guy or act like a guy just to gain approval from the guys. Just do your job and you will be fine.

[Althea Forhan]

Bribery works every time. When I was just starting out a an explorer I brought a dozen "Happy Doughnuts" down to the station after a parade we were in finished by the doughnut shop. The guys who'd just finished mopping the floor really enjoyed those. Mind you, I wasn't doing it to be a Badge Bunny, I just had $5 and we were near the doughnut place.

As for physical stuff---adopt, adapt, and IMPROVE!

[Michelle Latham]

I think we are almost always the minority in jobs like this! One thing that has always kept me afloat is this: Smile! Yep, sounds cheesy but it works. When you feel like the guys aren't taking you seriously or they are being jerks or you are being ignored...don't let it eat you up. If you have a legitimate complaint then do something about it! But for all the rest of the crap, just let it go. Brush it off and smile. You are paving the way for future generations of women firefighters and it's not going to be easy! I don't say any of this for the fun of it - I'm a Gulf War vet and a firefighter and I've had to work and live and play with men for years on end. It's hard but it's also very rewarding! Just don't let the turkeys drag you down. :D
As for the physical end of firefighting I can only say this: Work out! Stay fit! Get nice and strong! Men are a lot more understanding if you can do at least 75% of the heavy jobs...but if you let yourself be all weak and out of shape and you can hardly haul a hose...they are going to be resentful - and rightly so!
Good luck!!! I hope you love the fire service!