The glass ceiling at Merrill Fire Department has been shattered.
The 189th member of the department is Kendall Nelson.
“I could tell right away that she just fit in and she definitely was a good candidate for the position," MFD Battalion Chief John Kraegenbrink, told reporters.
“I’m very proud of this historical moment, yet at the same time I am thrilled to be a part of this team..." the firefighter-paramedic said.
Fellow Merrill firefighters are showing her the ropes, which she says she appreciates.
As one who grew up competing against boys, this career puts her in a familiar spot. “The journey through life has prepared me for those moments, and here I am."
It’s a new chapter for this department.
“I’m very excited for our first female firefighter, but it’ll probably be the first of many so anybody that’s qualified I hope they apply and we will be happy to have anybody, it doesn’t matter who it is as long as they’re a qualified individual," Kraegenbrink.added.
After years of working towards her dream job, Nelson loves that no two days are the same.
“That’s one of the things that I love about this job is that it’s always a challenge, and you never know what’s going to be thrown at you. You never know, the tones could go off, and you have to go to an emergent call."
