Women’s History Month: Departments across Southwest, Central Virginia highlight female firefighters
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — For over 200 years, women across the United States have been fighting fires and kicking off their careers as first responders.
The history of women firefighters in the United States dates all the way back to the 1800s.
According to the New York City Fire Department, Molly Williams became the first female firefighter. She was the slave of a New York City merchant and became a member of Ocean Engine Company #11. She is credited for pulling a pumper through deep snow alone to respond to a fire while volunteer firefighters were sick with the flu.
However, Williams is just one of many women who put themselves on the front lines. In honor of Women’s History Month, departments are highlighting women who have joined their crew in the Southwest and Central Virginia areas.
One woman in the Star City has shown compassion and commitment to the community for more than 20 years. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department recognized Fire Marshal Rebecca Smith. She started as a firefighter/EMT and worked her way up the ranks becoming a fire marshal. She is a part of the investigation team and attained her EMT-I certification.
It is not about an individual, it’s about all of us. I truly feel that good leadership is not about advancing yourself in your career, it’s about advancing your team and helping to shape the future,”
said Smith.
Ashley Goff is paving the way for young adults in the Big Island community. At the beginning of March, Goff passed her Firefighter 1 and Hazment Operations course. She is the first female firefighter at 16 to hit this mark for the Big Island Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
Meanwhile, in Forest, three women are taking on the flames while working toward their goals.
The Forest Fire Department highlighted Tiania Garland, Addison Jennings, and Addison Lacey for their work with the crew. Garland is a wife and mom who is a trained firefighter and advanced EMT with a passion for technical rescue.
Jennings is a dual student at Jefferson Forest High School and Central Virginia Community College. The department says she is currently enrolled in EMT and Firefighter 1.
Lacey plays volleyball for the Lynchburg Homeschool Athletic Association and is currently home-schooled. The Forest Fire Department says she is Firefighter 1 and dreams of working at the Roanoke City Fire Department.
The Franklin County Department of Public Safety spotlighted firefighter Stephanie McElroy who recently earned her certification as an Advanced EMT. She is currently a student in the county’s paramedic program.
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