NJFFSA16
05-06-2002, 12:53 AM
(Sterling Heights-AP) -- Women are an increasingly common sight
in the Detroit male-dominated fire stations.
Less than one percent of some of the Detroit-area's biggest fire
departments are female. That's below the national average of two
percent.
Only three of Warren's 172 full-time firefighters are women.
Pontiac has one female firefighter. Eastpointe has none.
Experts aren't sure why women haven't made greater strides in
fire service as they have in police departments and ambulance
companies. But they say demanding physical agility tests, child
care issues and discrimination could all be factors.
Janet Sikes heads the Woodhaven Fire Department and is the
states only female fire chief. She says she still meets people who
are shocked when she tells them her profession.
Nationwide, there are approximately 6-thousand female
firefighters.
Bonnie DeMeyere was Roseville's first female firefighter 12
years ago. The 44-year-old now works for the Sterling Heights Fire
Department.
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press.
in the Detroit male-dominated fire stations.
Less than one percent of some of the Detroit-area's biggest fire
departments are female. That's below the national average of two
percent.
Only three of Warren's 172 full-time firefighters are women.
Pontiac has one female firefighter. Eastpointe has none.
Experts aren't sure why women haven't made greater strides in
fire service as they have in police departments and ambulance
companies. But they say demanding physical agility tests, child
care issues and discrimination could all be factors.
Janet Sikes heads the Woodhaven Fire Department and is the
states only female fire chief. She says she still meets people who
are shocked when she tells them her profession.
Nationwide, there are approximately 6-thousand female
firefighters.
Bonnie DeMeyere was Roseville's first female firefighter 12
years ago. The 44-year-old now works for the Sterling Heights Fire
Department.
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press.