MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) -- The first woman to be a firefighter at the Mason City Fire Department begins her job on Thursday.
Tricia Holden, 30, of Manly, says she's excited about the new opportunity but not concerned about working with a crew of men.
"Other than being a female, there's not a lot different,'' she said. "When it comes to our job, we're all the same. We all love the work we do, are dedicated to public service and have a commitment to excellence."
Holden has been a member of the Manly Volunteer Fire Department for eight years and worked for Snells Ambulance Service for seven years, the last four and a half as a paramedic.
She has been employed by Gold Cross Ambulance of Austin, Minn., for the past six months.
"I've grown up around a fire department," said Holden, whose father was a firefighter.
Fire Chief Bob Platts said Holden has excellent medic skills and that her experience as a trainer and firefighter made her a good candidate for the opening.
He said few women have taken the civil service test required by the department and not all have passed the written and physical requirements.
Information from: Globe Gazette
