History of Women in Firefighting
Women have not only been a part of, but have influenced firefighting for almost 200 years. After World War II most men were deployed for war, so women stepped up to take the lead in firefighting. A lot of women also volunteered their firefighting services, resulting in volunteer-run stations. Meet 4 of the pioneers in women’s firefighting and support their powerful stories by pre-ordering your doll today!
Meet Molly Williams
One of the very first firefighting women we know of is Molly Williams. She was a slave in New York City who became a proud serving member of Oceanus Engine Company #11 in the year 1815. She also had outstanding service during the blizzard of 1818 as well.
The Exciting Emma Vernell
After her firefighter husband died in the line of duty, Emma Vernell became a firefighter herself. At the age of 50, she became a member of Westside Host Company #1. Ten years later, she was the first woman to be officially recognized as a firefighter by the State of New Jersey!
Read About Rosemary Roberts Cloud
Rosemary Roberts Cloud is the city of East Point’s first black woman to hold the title of Fire Chief in the city. Their Fire Station #4 will now lovingly be dedicated as Chief Rosemary Roberts Cloud Fire Station & Training Facility. She proudly served as East Point Fire Chief for twelve years and as a serving firefighter for thirty years.
The Brave Brenda Berkman
As the founder of the United Women Firefighters in 1982, Brenda Berkman was the first president and re-elected president of the organization. As a true pioneer in women’s rights in firefighting, she would retire with the rank of captain. Her push for women to be recognized eventually led to the production of, “The Women At Ground Zero.”
With the work of the women in firefighting history, there are now more than 6,500 women in the career of firefighting. This proud history only continues to be written by the continuously influential and resilient women continuing this career path. Learn more and pre-order your doll today!