South Dakota Department Diversifies
"Women and minorities are still underrepresented in our field," the fire department chief said. "We're looking to change that."
The change begins with two new additions to the fire department - Erin Denison and Mariah Mougey.
Denison and Mougey are the first women to join the department since Monica Strommer started in November 1992. Strommer followed Vicki Schrenk, who was hired in February 1992, and Joanne Parker, who worked at the department in 1977-78. All stayed for about a year or less.
Denison and Mougey join a fire department staff of 44 personnel.
"I jumped at the chance to hire them," Winter said. "I think it's a good thing. They're qualified, they fit in and they interviewed well. They represent the public. A lot of times on an ambulance call, a female is better in certain situations. It's going to allow us to serve the public better."
The two women, who are both in their 20s, applied after hearing about the department at an emergency medical services class they were taking in Fargo, N.D.
Although Mougey acknowledges they're breaking a stereotype, she thinks they will fit right in.
"You can tell they're all pretty good guys to work with," said Mougey, who is originally from Enderlin, N.D. "I think they'll realize we're pretty tough, if they haven't already."
Winter said he's not worried.
"If there's any concern, it's overprotectiveness," he said. "We're a team and we look after each other. They can hold their own, though."
Winter said the two will go through additional training for about three to four months before seeing their first solo action as paramedics. On the firefighting side, they will have to wait six months to a year.
Both have already been certified as paramedics, but the firefighting will be new.
"I've only experienced the EMS side of it, but I love it," said Denison, who's originally from Winnipeg, Canada. "The firefighting is something I'm interested in. I'm looking forward to learning all about it. Working as a team has always appealed to me."
Winter said only 3 percent of jobs in the emergency services field are filled by women. Hiring Denison and Mougey at the same time was part of the chief's plan.
"We want them to feel comfortable," he said. "I'm hoping that helps."
Denison said it should.
"It's nice to have her around," she said of Mougey. "I don't think I would have been uncomfortable with it or had a problem if she wasn't, but it's still nice."
Mougey agreed.
"I like the fact that Erin's there," she said. "It would have been fine either way, but it's definitely a benefit."