Female firefighters comprise approximately 9% of the firefighting workforce, facing unique challenges and opportunities for the women serving their communities. Hear from firefighters from all ranks, and learn about the insights, standards and policies helping create a more inclusive space for women.
Is anyone at the upper levels of government considering how the current round of federal government changes will impact public safety at the local level?
FEATURES & PROFILES
Through a partnership with the Girl Scouts of America, Camp Fury is igniting a passion for public safety and emergency services among young girls
Using this word tells every woman who serves in this beloved profession that she doesn’t belong – and signals to young girls that they shouldn’t join
50 women offered insight into how their fire departments can support their personal leadership goals
Retired Captain Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers a woman’s perspective on working in this male-dominated profession
What started as a women-centered wildland fire training event has evolved into a networking and camaraderie-building international movement
IN THE NEWS
On his first day, President Trump ordered federal agencies to end all “equity-related” grants and contracts, later mandating contractors to certify they don’t promote DEI
A long-running bootcamp for women has been put on hold due to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning DEI programs in the federal government
Grant County firefighters CW and Emily Forrest understand what it is like to be the spouse of a first responder
Battalion Chief Fitzsimmons joined the FDNY and was assigned to Engine 289 in Queens, just four months before the 9/11 terror attacks
The firefighter’s lawsuit also alleges that Hamilton Township officials mishandled her complaints and still lack door locks in bathrooms and changing areas in firehouses used by women
Two Carbondale firefighters created a skills weekend to introduce young girls to the fire and EMS service
In 2021, a Civil Service Commission ruling ordered the Meuthen Fire Department to promote Captain Tracy Blanchette after finding the existence of gender bias
Jackson Firefighter Annie Wallen faced pornography, penis-measuring contests and someone allegedly urinating on her bed
Portland Fire & Rescue Captain Erica Nelson’s past adventures include biking around the Baltic Sea and a dogsledding excursion in Sweden
Duck, N.C. Fire Chief Donna Black brings over 27 years of service in both paid and volunteer departments to the position
ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the importance of transparency and trust when stepping into a new leadership role
The San Francisco assistant chief shares tactical tips for dominating the fire so it has no chance of victory
As she steps down from the top spot in Baltimore County, Rund takes on a new, family-focused role with the NFFF
The Fairfax County (Virginia) firefighter-paramedic talks crew bonding, firefighter reproductive health, and banishing ego to create space for vulnerable conversations
The former CAL FIRE chief of fire protection shares stories from her unique path from seasonal firefighter to fire chief and beyond
It’s important to connect with your fellow firefighters, get involved in training, and avoid silos
The battalion chief explains how so much of her decision-making is rooted in the 2008 Salisbury Millworks blaze
The Indianapolis battalion chief highlights the power of company officers to quash negativity
The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining
The fire service scientist details her newest adventure, the Science Alliance, plus how to make data accessible at the station level