| Home Facing the Challenges of Being a Torchbearer Archives By Coleen Mitchell What is a Torchbearer? A Torchbearer is someone who lights the way through the path of the unknown. This person clears the way while enduring uncertain terrain, danger and at times insurmountable self-doubt. Through the efforts of this one individual, the path is made easier for those who follow. Standing at just five foot two, an unlikely suspect, I am one of twelve female Firefighters in the Philadelphia Fire Department. More surprising, I am the first woman in the history of the department appointed to the position of Fire Lieutenant. The position itself has not improved who I am, but the lessons learned through this position have provided a unique enlightenment, molding who I have become. Ten years have passed since I was first sworn in. Through this period, the torch that I carry has dimmed at times, making it hard to see where to go next. It is at those times my friends, family, and my supporters have been there to guide me through. My arrival at this vocation was a series of twists and turns, not a life long dream, unlike most of my fellow firefighters. Once I was at the Fire Academy, I was �hooked�. It was this love for the job, which led to my inspiration to �climb the ladder�. Studying hard, I scored very highly on the promotional exam, shocking not only me, but also many in the Philadelphia Fire Department. After just three years in this job, I was promoted to Fire Lieutenant. It was no great vision that brought me to this acchievement. Ambition and a love for my vocation is how I arrived at this plateau, but what I did not know is that the hardest part of my journey was just beginning. Proudly wearing my new rank, I was assigned to my first command. Even at the very beginning, it was apparent that things would be different then before. My previous assignment, barring a few problems, was a great experience. Accepted as a team member, I felt I made a difference. Things changed fast. As hard as I tried, some would not accept me. It was those people that would go to lengths, I never thought imaginable, to undermine my success. After the initial shock of this, I made a decision. I would do my best to make changes and advocate for other women in the Fire Service. Instead of destroying me with their behavior, their actions changed me for the better. Created from the ruminations of hatred and bias, evolved a person filled with determination, one who could empathize with any minority group. My resolve to remain faithful to this vision has at times been tested to it�s limits. The negative behaviors of some have left me at the brink of despair at times. Threats, degradation, and being ostracized are just a few examples of the lengths some will stoop to because of bigotry. There are times I have been surrounded by this hatred, feeling as vulnerable as a little girl does. It is at those times I question the importance of this belief of mine, and that is when my supporters have guided me through the difficulties. Those same supporters remind me how important this ideal is, and urge me to continue. I often wonder that in one hundred years from now, will my efforts and actions have made some difference in the evolution of the Fire Service. Time will be the determining factor to that question. This experience as draining as it can be has indeed changed me for the better. I have learned that money and success mean nothing if it compromises what your beliefs are. That is what has made me the unlikely and at times apprehensive Torchbearer. A Torchbearer who hopes she has made a difference. |