“This occupation, based on what I’m seeing in this room, is no longer male-dominated.” Powerful words from U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, one of the featured speakers during the opening ceremony of the Women in Fire biennial conference last week in San Diego.
Women in Fire works to champion female leadership and participation within the fire and emergency services through membership, advocacy and events. This year’s conference theme – “Empowering Women, Elevating the Fire Service” – was visible throughout the four-day event, which included training, educational sessions, vendor booths and countless networking opportunities for the 600-plus attendees.
Dr. Moore-Merrell encouraged attendees to bring forward their passion for change, noting they are all transformational leaders: “This starts with you. I invite you to get involved. I invite you all to find your place. You belong here. Find your place in leadership and lead forward.”
Opening ceremonies
San Diego Fire Chief Robert Logan welcomed attendees to the host city, underscoring that his department has been actively empowering underrepresented groups within the fire service. As a Black fire chief, Logan spoke to understanding barriers but noted that not all barriers are intentional, highlighting the need for education around explicit and implicit bias. Key quotes:
- “If you want a man to give you a seat at the table, you won’t get one — bring a folding chair,” referencing the famous quote by Shirley Chisholm, “If you want a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
- “I salute you and I support you.”
Logan also recognized Lonnie Hider Kitch, San Diego’s first female firefighter, who enrolled in the academy in 1977. Logan shared some of the barriers Kitch faced and how she persevered to become the department’s first captain. She ultimately retired in 2008 as a fire engineer.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria – the city’s first LGBTQIA+ mayor – also shared his support for the Women in Fire event attendees, encouraging them to further the mission to expand diversity in the fire service: “You may be the first, but you shouldn’t be the last.”
Mayor Gloria and San Diego Councilmember Marni von Wilpert also announced a council proclamation proclaiming September 11-14 to be San Diego Women in Fire Week” in the city.
Women in Fire President Toni Washington – fire chief for Decatur (Georgia) Fire Rescue – wrapped up the opening ceremony with encouragement for attendees to continue to push through barriers to become the next generation of fire service leaders. Key quotes:
- “We are going to shatter every glass ceiling that stands in our way.”
- “Someone has to replace us, and I hope it’s someone in this room.”
Event highlights
Check out the following event highlights, with some photos taken by WIF attendees.
Hands-on training
Fashion show vendor showcase
Educational sessions
Women’s Fire Chief Panel Discussion featuring (left to right): Michelle Weston, Trisha Wolford, Latosha Clemons, Jeanine Nicholson, Khalilah Yancey, Kristin Crowley, Mary Cameli, Toni Washington and Tiffany Green.
Battalion Chief Sara Rathbun presenting “So you hired a woman in your fire department — now what?”
Deputy Fire Chief Tiffanye Wesley presenting “What you permit, your promote: Leading in the 21st century.”
Fire Chief Toni Washington (left) leading a conversation between Fire Chief Mary Cameli and Fire Chief Tiffany Green.
Photo/Anik St. Pierre
Fire Chief Trisha Wolford presenting “So you want to be fire chief ....”
CPSE CEO Preet Bassi presenting “Overcoming the tightrope bias.”
Captain Lisa Burton presenting “Forging our future women in fire.”
Chief Gina Devito-Staub presenting “Leadership of the sexes and decision-making: Applying the fire service frame of reference.”
Learn more about Women in Fire.
