--April 13--HUNTINGTON, WV-- Jan Rader has become the first female professional firefighter to attain the rank of fire chief in West Virginia after being sworn in as Huntington fire chief Wednesday.
The Herald-Dispatch reports that Rader has served in the Huntington Fire Department for 22 years. She had been interim fire chief since December, upon her predecessor's resignation.
While Rader becomes the first professional female fire chief, several women throughout the state serve as volunteer fire chiefs.
Rader thanked Huntington resident Mickey Watson for changing her life in her speech at the swearing-in ceremony. Watson says he credits Rader with saving his life when he overdosed and is the "perfect example" of a leader, even attending the ceremony to mark one year of sobriety.
Rader's salary will be $76,615.
