Leadership is an ever-evolving concept. From the ancient philosophers to modern-day business gurus, there have been countless approaches to leadership conceived and put into practice, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Given that the fire service is a society and demographic all its own, our understanding of what it means to be an effective leader is becoming cloudy. While key trends shape the future of the fire service, tradition has evolved.
Today’s and tomorrow’s generations
The definition of “brotherhood” has taken on a new meaning. It doesn’t mean only “brother” in reference to being a man. “Brother” means family.
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of women who took on leadership roles in the fire service. Although the fire service traditionally has been male dominated, these women are breaking down barriers and having a significant effect in their community—from inspiring the next generation of firefighters, to paving the way for the next generation of women firefighters to succeed, to ensuring that a fire service career and the duties that are part of it are less about gender and more about skill and knowledge. All of us are learning to explore the challenges and triumphs of women who lead departments.
- Keisha Amspaugh will present “The View of a Female Fire Chief and the Challenge of the Firehouse Life” at Firehouse Expo 2023.
Another way that women who are in the fire service are having an effect is by challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. They demonstrate that women are just as able as men when it comes to the demands that are put on firefighters and leaders.
Being a part of this movement has contributed to some of the most triumphant chapters of my life story. Although being a mother is my greatest accomplishment, showing my children the way of hard work and of determination is a close second. From the experience of raising two daughters, I know the value of teaching self-worth and never giving up on your dreams.
Teaching young women about confidence is an essential part of helping them to thrive in today’s world. Confidence allows them to take risks, to pursue their passions and to stand up for themselves in the face of challenges that can emerge from anywhere.
Challenges and opportunities
By teaching young women to believe in themselves, we can help them to achieve their goals and to reach their full potential. I have been extremely fortunate during my career to have supportive role models, mentors and people of impact to direct my path to where I am today.
There are numerous ways to instill confidence in the people who are around you and who you encounter, such as praising efforts, encouraging to try new things, and teaching to be kind and compassionate.
By building self-esteem and empowering to take charge of their life, we can help young women to become confident, capable leaders who can have a positive effect on the world around them. This is a paramount lesson in the fire service.
Though firefighting tactics aren’t inherently different for women firefighters and men firefighters, our leadership roles might be. Being a fire chief who is a woman comes with its own set of unique challenges, but it also provides an opportunity to create positive change and to inspire the next generation of firefighters.
Balancing a fire service career and motherhood can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. I want not just women but the next generation, period, to know that it’s possible to have a healthy career, marriage and family while one pursues being in the jump seat of an engine or changing lives as a paramedic in an ambulance.
Being a fire chief and a mother can be demanding, but it also can be incredibly rewarding.
As a fire chief, I can have a positive effect on my community by protecting people and property from fires and other emergencies. I have the chance to lead and inspire a team of firefighters and EMS providers, helping them to grow and develop their roles and make a difference in the lives of others.
As a mother, I can raise and nurture my children, helping them to grow into happy, healthy and successful individuals. I have the chance to instill important values, such as hard work, compassion and resilience, and to provide a loving and supportive environment in which my children can thrive.
My girls, Amelia and Harper, have so much love and support from our fire families, and the outpouring of compassion is endless. They know that the many “aunts and uncles” that they gained at the firehouse are permanent fixtures in their life. Those people all might joke about dating and watching over them, but we know that’s just a part of the brotherhood.
Determination
The rewards of being a fire chief and a mother come from knowing that you are making a difference in the life of others, both professionally and personally. Whether it’s seeing a child’s eyes light up with joy, helping a family that’s in crisis or leading your team to respond to an emergency and save lives, these moments of impact can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life.
At the same time, the ability to balance these two important roles and to create a meaningful life for myself and my family can be a source of great pride and satisfaction. This is much more than a career; this is a lifestyle that affects one’s entire family.
There is nothing more rewarding than being on the forefront of a revolution and being the innovator. Never be afraid to step outside of the traditional box. No one is saying you must forget tradition. Tradition in the fire service is important; to remember where we came from is always paramount. However, creating our own line of tradition for the next generation provides an opportunity for us to be a trailblazer. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean that it’s bad, and maybe you will find that it’s better than what you had before.
What makes someone a superior leader doesn’t depend on that person’s gender. It depends on that individual’s ability to inspire and guide the team toward a common goal. Although there might be certain qualities that are associated more commonly with successful women leaders, effective leadership is about much more than just gender or personality traits. It’s about dreams, goals and the passion to change lives. Sometimes, it’s the sheer determination to make a difference when all the odds are against you.
Always remember that just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean that it’s impossible, but it does mean that it’s worth it. Never forget the difference between deserve and earn; that will ensure that you go far.
