| Bound By Courage -- the original cut of the controversial story from Ground Zero-- released for the first time on DVD |
| "Playtex To Nomex"
Women in the Fire Service by Lt. Amy Steelman (c)1998, Flirting With Disaster Women in the fire service have served as volunteers for more than a century, but it's only been two decades since the first women entered as career fire personnel. They've joined the ranks of the World's Bravest from all walks of life - teachers, health care workers, the military, and full-time mothers. There is no typical profile for women who dedicate themselves to the field of firefighting. As we travel to stations across North America, I'm often asked, "Are females given special treatment in the firehouse?" Depends on who you ask, but I say yes. I don't pretend for a minute to be as physically capable as my 6' 2" 250lb. counterpart. Get real, at 5' 5" and 110 lbs there's no way! I've learned to adapt certain aspects of the job to fit my size. But accomodation merely implies difference, not inferiority. Any tactic or tool that makes the job a little less demanding should be welcomed by any firefighter - man or woman. Besides, consider the fact that "special treatment" in the fire service is defined from a male point-of-view. If the "fairer" sex had dominated the field for 2 centuries, what concessions or "special treatment" would WE be forced to make in order to accept men into OUR ranks? Physical attributes aside, I'm just a guy when it comes to firefighting. Responding to a blaze is the greatest legal buzz there is. The snap of cold air on a Winter's night as the rig leaves the station. The scream of the Federal Q as it winds up and away. The adrenaline rush as the dispatcher reports "receiving numerous calls." And the absolute 'scarred shitless' feeling every time I come face-to-face with the red devil. I can only speak for myself, but my decision to become a firefighter wasn't easily made. I had to deal with issues of my own self-image and confidence. As a mother, I had to seriously consider the dangers that are inherent to the job. As a wife, I knew going-in that the dedication and devotion to the job would be difficult for my spouse to understand or tolerate. My dedication won out - my marriage did not. I've suffered losses, but what I have gained in exchange is more precious than gold. I have been welcomed into the World's most important fraternity. I have never seen, in the civilian sector, the level of support and commraderie that exists in the fire rescue services. Not at the YWCA, not at home, not even at church. I work in nearly 100 fire stations each year, and I am a welcomed guest in every one. Not because I'm a woman, but because I'm a firefighter. There are endless issues for women of all ages who choose this field of endeavor. Odd hours, childcare, the stress of working an emergency incident -- and even today, the issue of harrassment still rears its ugly head from time to time. Still, to the women who come to me with doubts about making the tough decision to become a "jake" (or is it "jane"?) I have to applaud the fact that they are making the effort. Sometimes it's a long and lonely journey for us gals, but when we reach the destination we come to have a much better understanding of terms like life, selflessness, and fullfillment. That same statement can apply to whatever career goal a woman sets her sights on, because we are born with determination and we have a need to contribute our talents to those around us. And a final thought for those women who are wondering. Yes, you can retain your femininity and still be an accomplished and talented fire-fighter. Go for it! |
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