Not whining, just Curious??

[Jo Ann]

I am only the second single woman who has entered our volunteer department, in total we have three. The other two don't answers calls much and only one of them comes to meetings. I have been in the department since February and there are newer members who get to go out on the engines and I am left in the office listening on to radio. I know every position is crucial, but I can't help feeling that they don't want me out in the field because I am a woman. Am I wrong to feel this way?? Or am I just being too sensitive?:(

[FD55]

Jo Ann- First of all, hang in there sister! Almost all of us have been in a similar situation before(o.k, I know I have!) You are not wrong to be thinking that they may not want you out in the field because you're a woman, but don't automatically assume that it's the reason you have not been allowed on any calls lately. Have you tried asking them about it? I know it's easier said then done, but it may be the next step you need to take. I have had times were I was straight up told (in a not so nice way!) that I was not welcome, and other times I was welcomed like any other firefighter would be. Have they said/done anything (other than not allowing you on calls)to make you think that your being a woman is the reasoning behind their actions? As you also said, there aren't many women on your department, and the others who are sound like they are not a very good representation of women in the fire service. So, I understand how your department may be testing you to see if you are commited enough to stay, but I don't know of a department that would wait 6 months for you, but allow people that have been on the department for a shorter amount of time go out on calls.
It's a situation that I have not found myself in too many times (thankfully), but I hope what I have said helps a little. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do and remember to keep your head up and don't give up! ;)

[captstanm1]

Jo Ann

Hang in there. If the inclusion of women is new in your volunteer department and the first two have participated marginally then that will impact others perception.

I am not condoning that in any means.... I am very much in favor of and suppor the inclusion of women in the fire service.

Just work hard, participate, jump in and join the activities, run calls, train, work hard and you will win in the end.

[Jo Ann]

I took your advice and asked. I was told that I have not been allowed to go on runs because I am not an operational member just support. That is due in part to a medical condition I had from March to June that resulted in the finding on an MRI of my neck a Cervical Syrinx in my C 3-4. And since the Chief relys on the advise of the Assistint Chief, who is an EMT, The Assistant Chief has stated that I would be too big of a risk for the department to have. I have given the department my Doctors records, a letter from my Doctor, who was an EMT and volunteer ff stating that I can return to ff duties and training, and a note from my Neurosurgeon who examined me and said that there is nothing I can't do and they still gives me this same reason. So I guess that being a woman is not the reason, but the fact that I have a 2mm x 8mm hole in my c-spine that is benign with no chance of growing or injuring me in any way. According to the neurosurgeon it most likely has been there since birth. So What now? :(

[AnneThomas]

The Assistant Chief should not be diagnosing your "fitness for duty" unless he is the official fire department physician (which I'm sure he is not). Most (I thought all) departments require a physical before firefighters are cleared for structural firefighting. Ask your department what their policy is. Do all members have to take a physical? Ask your department to either accept your physician's finding that you can return to duty or demand an independent physician to examine you and determine if you are "fit for duty" or not. Almost all of us have some condition or abnormality and if yours doesn't affect your ability to safely fight fire then you should not be denied activy duty. Good luck

[FD55]

Jo Ann- I would agree with what Anne T has said. "If you have had a physical stating that you are fit for active duty, that should be enough proof and if that is not enough ask for the independant physician." "The Chief can not declare whether or not you are fit for duty." From what you have said, it sounds to me like you didn't understand that you were on the department for merely 'support'. Did you go through an academy to become an active member of the department? Why did the department consider you if they knew all along that "it would be too big of a risk," and not tell you before all of this? If the department (chief) doesn't accept anything from any of the physicians I think it would be best to just find another department, because support is good and all but obviously you want to be on the line. It's a hard decision to make and I don't know how many volunteer departments there are around you but if nothing else works you may have to look at other departments.
You can always come out here in CO and work on one of our many vollie departments. We need more women out here. :D Hang in there and keep us posted on what happens.

[RoryEl]

You got some great advise from Anne T and FD55. My concern was your statement about giving your medical records to someone who obviously doesn't have the ability to interpret your records, nor it appears, your interest in mind. Seek the return of your records then proceed down whatever course you decide. Sounds like time for your department to see the light of a new day! Hang in there!

[Jo Ann]

To answer your questions, no we do not have to pass a physical, enter an academy, or go through an agility test to become a member of the department. They just "vote" you in, give you gear, and tell you to keep up and hang on. We do have training nights, but not just for new members. We meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays and have training on the 3rd Monday. Each training day is different sometimes we learn about safety on the site, drill with hoses, or rescue techniques. However, I have not seen an actual "training" of getting on and off apparatus, use of SCBAs for probies(unless we attend an extracation training in town), or anything else that one might learn in an academy. Yes, I could go to another department, but I live in Kyle and like it here. Besides, don't you think that this would follow me to the next department? I mean, since they know each other around here. Believe me FD55 Colorado sounds real good, but I don't want to move right now because my oldest son has 2 years before he graduates then I can consider moving. Thanks for all your advise. And it is time Kyle FD came into the 21st century. By the way, when I talk to other members they tell me that nothing like this has ever happened before.....well, guys change is a comin', and what's a comin' is always changing.:eek: