EVERETT—Nearly 40 women interested in pursuing a career in the fire service gathered at South County Fire’s training grounds in Everett over the weekend for its Future Women in EMS and Fire Workshop, where they engaged in hands-on activities like hauling hoses, prying open doors, climbing ladders, and practicing CPR.
Demonstrations were led by female firefighters from across Snohomish County. Other activities included career panels, mentoring sessions, training, live demonstrations, and networking, to inspire, and empower, the next generation of fire service professionals.
The two-day workshop took place on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. until noon. The event was hosted by South County Fire in partnership with agencies including Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, Everett Fire, Marysville Fire, Arlington Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire, Sultan Fire and Rescue, Mukilteo Fire Department, North County Fire, Granite Falls Fire, Snohomish County Fire District #4, Spokane Fire and Sky Valley Fire.
This is the second year in-a-row South County Fire has hosted an event like this. Since last year’s event, seven women have successfully become firefighters in Snohomish County and other areas of Washington State, the fire department said.
Nationwide, women make up approximately nine percent of the fire service. South County Fire employs 33 women firefighters, close to 10 percent of uniformed staff.
Last July South County Fire celebrated the promotion of Battalion Chief Terri Fitzgerald, the agency’s first-ever female chief officer.
Fitzgerald has worked nearly 30 years in the fire service, beginning her career in 1995 as a volunteer for Chelan County Fire District 1. She joined South County Fire as a firefighter/paramedic in 2003, later promoting to captain.
South County Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to nearly 300,000 residents of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace and unincorporated southwest Snohomish County.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
