iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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FireWork

A firefighters’ Mother’s Day what it means to be a mother and a firefighter

Image from http://www.fireemsleaderpro.org/2013/09/15/a-canary-in-a-coal-mine/, May 2015

Written by: iWomen Trustee Kimberly Cox

Sunday, May 10th was Mother’s Day. This should be a day to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of those that surround you. For some, that company might be their children, spouses, or significant others. But for many moms, that company they are sharing might be with their fellow firefighters. As a career firefighter, maybe you are sitting around a table with a crew you have worked with for the past several years, waiting for the “next big one”. Or maybe you are a volunteer serving your community, and you are still stuck at the station cleaning hose with friends you rarely see because you got called in for a structure fire, during your Mother’s Day brunch at home. As upset as you might be that you aren’t surrounded by those that hold your hand while walking down the street or the ones that give you kisses goodnight, it’s okay. You are still surrounded by family. The family within your station, the family of the fire service, and the family of the other women across the country that don’t get the luxury of having weekends off, much less Mother’s Day off.

As you let your mind wander on this Mother’s Day, think about the steps you had to take to get to the position you are in now. Steps such as; the hard work and dedication to your department and

continued on page 5

International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services

iWomen

Highlights from FDIC A quick summary about iWomen at FDICPage 9, 10, 11, 12,13

iWomen Trustee Happenings Read about the activities that the iWomen Trustees are participating inPage 8

Column: My First Year as a Firefighter Follow Firefighter Sophia Rose from Orange County Fire Rescue as she shares her last entry in her journal Page 15

A Firefighters Mother’s Day Read about what it means to be a mother and a firefighterPage 1

What do firefighter mom’s have to say? Read the comments and a sonnet written for a mom in the fire servicePage 6

May 2015

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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PRES IDENTS MESSAGE - M A Y 2015

Invest and celebrate yourselves is my message for this month. I want to take heed to the message from our Trustee Kimberly Cox about your value as a female, a mother and a firefighter - It truly is an accomplishment - never devalue your worth. Happy Mothers Day to all women firefighters with children.

I had the opportunity to attend the 2015 FDIC conference along with 32,000 other fire service members from around the world. The opening ceremonies started with a passionate message from Chief Halton, a message that stressed the importance duty, honor and country. Halton asked the audience members to be "the true vision of the firefighter who is committed to being competent, who is confident of his/her character, who is devoted to honorable service, and who is loyal to his/her fellow firefighters.” Isn’t this what we all strive for, are we at times our own worst enemy? How can we have that true vision, invest in yourself.

The 2015 Leadership Conference “Promote, Advance & Lead” is the perfect chance for you to invest in yourself! Registration is now open - whether you are a current officer, aspiring officer or new to the fire service this conference will have something for everyone. I can personally say, that I set a goal after the 2013 Leadership Conference to promote from lieutenant to captain. I took several classes that helped me prepare for the process. I met and networked with women and men that helped me to believe in myself. This was the first time in my career I had set a time based goal and I can proudly say I was promoted two months ago to Fire Captain.

So I think back to all the years I found reasons to NOT invest in myself - family, money, time. Now I look at what I have achieved in the few short years I have become involved. I have made a good investment in myself. The education, experiences, networking and lifelong friendships have no price tag. What is holding you back?

“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader. A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Angie Hughes - iWomen President

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iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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2015 LE A D E R S H I P C O N F E R E N C E H I G H L I G H T S

The Fire Service Glass Ceiling: Strategies Used for Advancement Dr. Barbara Russo- Despite the fact that women have been employed as career firefighters for more than 40 years, their numbers have not reflected much growth or mobility through the ranks over this time period. This presentation will be based on research that examines the barriers female firefighters face trying to advance through the ranks and the strategies they use to overcome these barriers.

Psychological & Legal Issues for Fire Service Leaders Dr. Beth Murphy & John Murphy- There are numerous, and too many, examples of firefighters and fire departments that find themselves in legal jeopardy; but, what is not addressed is how these issues affect the psychological make-up of the department. We will discuss actions to take at the individual, departmental, and community levels to report, mitigate and prevent a harassing and psychologically disabling environment.

Ignite the Successful YOU! Are You Branded for Career Success? Candice McDonald- In today’s era of technology, brands no longer apply to products. Women seeking leadership positions need to learn to develop and use personal branding as a competitive edge for knocking out equally-trained peers from the competition. This course will teach you the skills needed to ignite the successful women inside you! You will learn how to position yourself to make rock solid impressions, create strategies to connect with key players in the industry, and leverage social media to reach new levels.

IGNITE the Vision Dr. Ciara Bostick- The purpose of this presentation will be to educate and engage attendees on the importance of visioning- professionally and personally. Attendees will have the opportunity to be educated on various practices and techniques for goal-setting and visioning within their fields.

Real Role Plays: Tips for Assessment Centers & Station Life Katherine Ridenhour- Role plays in assessment centers typically deal with personnel issues and are a combination of conflict resolution, problem solving, leadership, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. Learn tips for the promotional process, as well as what assessors evaluate.

Fire is Not Life: Balancing the Fire Department & Family Kimberly Cox- All firefighters, volunteer and career, need to find a balance between the fire department and their personal lives. Many marriages have been ruined, friendships lost, and hobbies forgotten because the fire service is a passion that can easily overtake a person’s life. This class will focus on career counseling and building relationships.

And Much, Much More - REGISTER TODAY www.i-women.org

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W H A T M A K E S Y O U R D A Y S P E C I A L ?

Continued from Page 1

the fire service, the continuous learning and training, and the times that fear might have run through your body as you entered a scene you weren’t too sure about. But you made it. On this day, relish in those accomplishments and triumphs. Remember that you have put your heart and soul into being a firefighter and because you are where you are, it has paid off. You are one of the three percent of women who are lucky enough to be called a firefighter. Hopefully, as you are walking down your memory lane of the fire service, you are smiling. If not, you should be.

And then, think about the future. The future holds so much for you, your family, and the fire service. We might only be at three percent now, but by us being there, no matter what day or time it is, we are setting the wheels in motion for the future. As moms, and as firefighters, we are living proof to not only our children but also to all those civilians that see us at work – a message that anyone can become what they want to be. Your children might not have a desire to be a firefighter someday, but because you pushed the boundaries, they will realize that they can become an astronaut, or a chef, or anything they want to be. You are a guide to the younger generation, showing them that it is okay to break through barriers or crash through the glass ceilings.

So, if you are working on “your” day, remember that it’s okay. There are many others in your shoes right now. Wherever you are - celebrate you. Celebrate your accomplishments, your determination, your values, and the passion you have for helping others. Be proud of who you are. Those that look up to you will notice your dedication to a profession built on trust, honor, and courage. And hopefully, they will find another day to celebrate you.

Graph: Firefighter Occupation by Gender and Race nfpa.org 5/2015

Kimberly Cox is a firefighter at Eden Prairie Fire Department and a mother. She represents iWomen as the Volunteer Division Trustee.

In 1948, the woman who organized the first Mother’s Day observance fought to remove it from the American calendar.  Anna Jarvis never envisioned Mother’s Day to be the commercialized holiday that it had become.  Her vision was that of a day where families would gather with their mothers, wearing white carnations as a badge of honor.  Never was it in her mind that it would be about expensive chocolates, spa-days, or over-priced cards purchased at a big-box store. This year, while turmoil surrounds us in the guise of earthquakes, riots, and incurable illnesses, I will rejoice in the love that I have given and received from my children.  In our line of work, it becomes so obviously apparent that life is short, andcan be taken in an instant.  I don’t need the candy, or the gifts, or even the flowers.  I need the loving arms of my children embracing me in their hugs.   That is what Mother’s Day is about for me. Does Mother’s Day have a special meaning to you? 

Year% Total% Women% Black% Hispanic%Origin%

2009 284,000 9,700 (3.4%) 21,300 (7.5%) 25,000 (8.8%)

2010301,000 10,800

(3.6%)19,270 (6.4%) 28,900

(9.6%)2011 305,000 11,000

(3.6%)19,500 (6.4%) 29,300

(9.6%)2012 295,000 10,000

(3.4%)22,700 (7.7%) 29,200

(9.9%)% % % %

AnnualAverage 2008-2012

295,600 11,000 (3.8%)

21,400 (7.2%) 27,900 (9.4%)

%

Year% Total% Women% Black% Hispanic%Origin%

2009 284,000 9,700 (3.4%) 21,300 (7.5%) 25,000 (8.8%)

2010301,000 10,800

(3.6%)19,270 (6.4%) 28,900

(9.6%)2011 305,000 11,000

(3.6%)19,500 (6.4%) 29,300

(9.6%)2012 295,000 10,000

(3.4%)22,700 (7.7%) 29,200

(9.9%)% % % %

AnnualAverage 2008-2012

295,600 11,000 (3.8%)

21,400 (7.2%) 27,900 (9.4%)

%

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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”This was my first iWomen's Conference....I was not

disappointed.  To walk in to aroom full of women who have the

same passion for fire andemergency services as I do was uplifting.  To talk and network

with other women who share the

A Sonnet for a Firefighter

by: Sophie Corsi-VanWie

Firefighters have a very important task

Battling through smoke and flames everyday

Wearing heavy gear and protective mask

Ready to be called at any time of day

Firefighters have extremely long work days

With all the work, they should receive a raise

Even though they will run toward the blaze

They shall forever work without much praise

Firefighters miss much time with family

Sometimes they have to work on Christmas Eve

Not enough time to help children study

Though they always try to help them achieve

And though the days are rarely seen as calm

I am proud to call a firefighter mom

My name is Melissa Van Wie and my daughter wrote this. I am a Fire Apparatus Operator and EMT-I for Dekalb County Fire Rescue in Georgia. I am currently stationed at Station 14 in Lithonia, GA. I have worked here for eight and a half years. My daughter, Sophie, wrote this for her English class at Woodland High School in Stockbridge, GA. She was struggling to come up with a topic for her sonnet and my wife suggested firefighters. Sophie replied “That’s a great idea!

There’s certainly enough to write about, and I can say happy things at the end! And I know she’ll really like it!”

I've got a 17 month old daughter and another due on August 31. I manage because I have a very good support system.

- Mehgan

I am a 14 year career firefighter, for a great District in MO. We work 48 hour sifts and if it wasn’t for my amazing parents, I don’t know how we would manage. When I first became a mother, we were on a 24 hour Kelly shift, which was so tough. But the 48’s have been a blessing.

-Christina

I’m a mom and a grand mom and I’m a firefighter. Proud to set an example for my girls that they can be anything they set their minds to.

- Debra

I am a mother of 5 Girls getting ready to start my 27 year. I have found I have more quality time with the kids on the 24 hour work shift than working 9 to 5 job. They love telling their friends that a their parents are firefighters.

- Kathleen

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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Apply today

THE HEATHER WESTPHAL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving

female first responder.  Applications available now at

www.iafcf.org

Deadline: June 1, 2015

H e a t h e r w a s p a r t o f t h e International Association of Fire Ch ie f s ( IAFC ) Marke t ing and Corporate Relations Department. Mark Light, executive director of the IAFC at the time of her death in 2008 said, “Although Heather didn't have a background in fire service, her interest and commitment were so strong that you might think she did. She loved her work, and she made a d i f f e r e n c e t o t h e f i r e / E M S community." Heather Westfphal is the only IAFC employee in recent history who has died while employed by the association.

The scholarship is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) and iWomen and was first awarded in 2009, to assist women pursuing degrees in fire science. Applicants must be pursuing a degree at any accredited college or university in the United States.

It takes a village! We have 2 under 2 years. I work 48 on and 96 on duty. Hy husband works 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. We fly our moms out for child care. It’s cheaper than a nanny and awesome that they get to see their grandmas so often! Pumping at work was challenge at first, but “we” worked out the kinks.

- Melissa

Volunteer and single mom - baby sitter for the training units and responding alarms mainly from 8 to 4. But my son is the hero of his class when there is an alarm at his school and mommy arrives with biggest truck of the whole fire brigade.

- Wiebke

Two teenagers - juggling part time volunteer service, Deputy Fire Marshal, part time family. Important lesson learned - do not ignore your kids and subtle signs. Even though they are teenagers, they still need to know you are there for them and their biggest fans. You won’t have another chance at they're growing up!

- Robin

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Survey participation requested

Dr. Marian Schultz, Professor at the University of West Florida and three researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Drs. John Griffith, Ronald Wakeham and James Schultz, are conducting a survey of firefighters to understand your perceptions regarding sexual harassment, sexual orientation, gender, and racial bias in the fire and emergency services.

This replicates previous research accomplished by D. Hulett, M. Bendick, S. Thomas & F. Moccio in A National Report Card on Women in Firefighting (2008).

The survey used to collect data for that work has been replicated for use in our study with permission from Dr. Bendick.

This survey should take less than 10 minutes. All responses will remain totally anonymous. You can stop taking the survey at any time.

There is no compensation for participation or penalty for those who choose not to participate.

The survey link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8HS3YJP

Welcome: Southeastern Trustee

Fire Chief Toni Washington

Toni T. Washington joined the City of Decatur in January 2009 as the Fire Chief. She is one of four African American female fire chief’s in the nation. Her work involves planning and managing the operations of the fire department in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency management, and emergency medical services. Chief Washington has worked diligently to educate the public on fire safety. She began her public safety career at State Fire Marshal’s Office; and then to a Metro Atlanta fire department where she work her way to the position of Deputy Fire Chief. Her professional achievements consist of holding a wide variety of fire operations and public education certifications and trainings. Toni received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing and Management at Savannah State University and a Master of Science in Managerial Leadership from National Louis University. Toni is the second eldest of eight siblings; and the proud parent of one college student, Tahj.

Toni represents Virginia, West Virginia, North

Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and

Puerto Rico.

iWomen SAFER/AFG Grant Reviewers

iWomen offered several members the opportunity to assist in the PEER review process for FEMA SAFER Grant and Prevention Peer Assessment process. We look forward to hearing about their experience.

Melanie Miller Sherwin Lisa Baker Linda Long

Barbara Rice Aileen Casillas Gisele Williams

Fire Service Executive Development Institute for

2015 SessionIn its third year, the FSEDI is a year-long leadership-development program created by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful tenures. Congratulations to the following iWomen members:

๏ District Chief Susan Tamme, Tampa (FL) Fire Rescue

๏ Assistant Fire Marshall JoAnne Lorbar, Fort Lauderdale (FL) Fire Rescue

Trustee happenings

Remember to submit your questions for

the columniWomen - iWant to

Know?Send submissions to - staff@iWomen.org

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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The following summary is submitted by iWomen Executive Board Secretary Susan Tamme - Tampa Fire Rescue.

This year I was lucky enough to remove from my "professional" bucket list – something that I had wanted to do for a long time - attend one of the largest fire conferences in the country: FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference) touted as the Superbowl of firefighting.

I knew that this conference was different from the others that I had attended in the past. The banners and neon signs at the airport seemed to electrify the hundreds of firefighters streaming out of the Indianapolis airport.

The opening ceremony began solemnly with a tribute to the fallen firefighters. The room became energized as Fire Chief Bobby Halton spoke passionately about Duty. Honor. Country. His message, “Most of us go day by day working very hard in developing the essential skills of our mission,” Halton explained. “But many of us miss that all important critical step of developing an awareness of how our growing sense of confidence and competence relates to the essence of what a firefighter can be. What we all need--not only our younger firefighters and newer officers--is a template, a guide, a role model, a vision, of what being a public servant, and particularly a firefighter, means today and, most importantly, what we may become in the future.”

He asked this of the attendees’ - to be “the true vision of the firefighter who is committed to being competent, who is confident of his/her character, who is devoted to

honorable service, and who is loyal to his/her fellow firefighters.

Inspired by the commitment to our profession, to each other and to the communities we serve - we exited the hall and rushed to locate the speakers and topics that brought us to this event in the first place.

I attended many sessions about a variety of topics from managing the large building structure fire, large equipment extrication, to training programs and maydays. There was something to be learned from every class I attended and something to be proud and confident about the way I understand fire tactics and

my knowledge and performance in comparison to others across the country.

The next day at the General Session – Rear Admiral Scott Moore, the keynote speaker shared his knowledge about Teamwork – A Life and Death Necessity – his words were inspiring: “It is absolutely all about building cohesive effective teams. You have to have clear vision and direction from the top - Leaders. You have to build trust by minimizing the weakness and enforcing that minimum standard. You have to increase the ability to raise that bar by building the team camaraderie or cohesiveness by empowering your lower level leaders. And training to expose those weaknesses – that’s how we get there. And I submit to you that these team fundamentals will raise the level of any team.” The packed auditorium was charged as conference attendees filed out ready to meet with other fire service members, and exhibitors, and to become educated throughout their week. There is something about mingling with 35,000 firefighters that gets you pumped.

IWomen at

Fire Department Instructor ConferenceFDIC

continued from page 9

Next I hit the conference floor – The exhibit hall occupies nearly 750.000 square feet of space at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center. Exhibitors were on hand to show their products and to speak about new ideas and concepts in firefighting. Viking Life-Saving Equipment has a concept to work with soiled turnout gear. 555Fitness, is a non-profit that promotes health and fitness in the fire service and sells shirts – the profits go to giving grants to fire departments in the form of workout equipment. Fire Cam was giving away cameras and MN8 now offers a complete line of glow-in-the dark products. This was only a few of the many conference exhibitors.

iWomen’s booth was located just outside the exhibit hall in a high traffic area. Trustee’s Laura Hunter, Susan Tamme, Angie Hughes and Carol Brown were on hand to answer questions and share the benefits of being a member of our great organization. There was a scheduled “meet up” for other women firefighters attending the conference one morning. We met many inspirational women firefighters.

If you aren’t exhausted after walking the conference hall – there are many opportunities for fun each evening. There is the chance to participate in the FOOL’s Brotherhood Bash, the NFFF Stop Drop Rock ‘n’ Roll event – which raised over $90,000, or for viewing or participating in the Combat Challenge, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and the 5K run.

I thoroughly enjoyed my week at FDIC and speaking personally with Dan Madrzykowski, Billy Goldfedder, Dr. O’Neial, Bobby Halton, Steve Prziborowksi, John Salka, and Tiger Schmittendorf who are fire service members that I think are some of the brightest and most talented firefighters, leaders and officers of our time. And to actually get to meet them and have conversations with them, was surreal and an honor. I think the networking and education for this conference was by far the best I have experienced. I recommend this conference to every fire service member.

The following pages will include a summary of the presentations by women in the fire service

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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This is a summary of the presentation given at FDIC 2015 by iWomen President Captain Angie Hughes of Baltimore County Fire Department

Do we have a problem in today’s fire service? It only takes a few bad people to give an entire department a bad name. During the Fire Department Instructor Conference I had the opportunity to address the white elephant no one wants to talk about. While the EEOC defines what is harassment and discrimination we went deeper into the issues we face.

Although I am not a “legal expert” with a simple google search one can find many examples of litigation relating to the fire service. These issues are not just “problem’s women face” no one is exempt from unfair treatment. During the class we discussed how we sometimes pre judge someone before we even know them. Why do we do this-it is a learned behavior, typically based on the fear of the unknown?

The comparison was made between the NFL and the fire service. The NFL has had faced criticism after the Jonathan Martin – Richie Incognito bullying scandal. People bully others to destroy them, the bully will choose a target and intend to cause harm. This is not productive in any type of workforce.

In addition the NFL has published its commitment to “Excellence in Workplace Conduct” regarding sexual orientation. The objective clearly stated that harassment and discrimination based on sexual

orientation is contrary to the beliefs of the NFL. The NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE has guidelines on this, does your department?

We discussed culture, what is culture and how do you know if you have good culture in your organization. The USFA recently released the National Safety Cultural Change Initiative and identifies cultures as “a process that occurs in an individual based upon learned behavior influenced by a group.” The report shares five key areas that are common interactions between firefighters:

¥ ostracizing anyone different

¥ ostracizing anyone that does not conform

¥ bullying & threatening anyone who resists the dominant group

¥ excluding outsiders from fire station life

¥ joking as an instrument to continue bullying

These finding should be enough to realize we still have work to do. We wrapped up with one of my favorite Steve Robbins short stories “The Right Environment”. This story shares a valuable lesson Steve learned when he tried to add rainbow trout to a pond on his property. The bottom line was no matter how strong the fish were unless he was willing to change the environment to consider the needs of the fish he was doomed to lose them. In the words of Mr. Robbins - what is in your pond?

FDIC  Presentation  -­‐  available  by  request.

The Misunderstood Problem of

Discrimination and Harassment

By: Angie Hughes

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This is a summary of iWomen Great Lakes Trustee Candice McDonald at FDIC 2015

Attending conferences like FDIC can provide both personal and career growth.  I can confidently say FDIC 2015 was a solid investment for those of us in attendance.  This marked my third year attending as an exhibitor with the ResponderSafety.com Team.  For the past three years it has been a privilege to educate our first responders on how to reduce injury and line of duty deaths while on the roadway.

FDIC provides attendees with the opportunity to build relationships with industry experts and likeminded firefighters.  Each year attended has brought some amazing mentors into my life.  Longtime FDIC Instructor Dr. Harry Carter, who I met the first year, encouraged AND supported my dream to get my PhD. Had it not been for his encouragement at FDIC 2013, I may not have chased that dream. I look forward to celebrating that accomplishment with him at FDIC 2017.  

This year came with an added bonus.  I got to spend time networking with fellow iWomen members.  It’s nice to get to see the faces of so many great women that you are virtually connected with.  We had some great brainstorming sessions and fun as well.  Chief

Bobby Halton and iWomen President Angie Hughes not only make a great team as advocates for the fire service, but they certainly lit up the dance floor at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Stop, Drop, Rock N Roll Event.

This event was by far the highlight of my week at FDIC, because outside of all of the fire

service talk, family is what life is really about.  Each year this event offers an auction to raise money to support NFFF programs and the families of the fallen.  What made 2015’s event so special was Mya, my eleven year old autistic daughter, donated one of her

art piece that won first place in the NASA 2014 Art Contest.  This piece netted $1600 for the Foundation and all of my iWomen sisters were there to cheer on the bidding. 

FDIC 2015 may have come to an end, but the takeaways continue.  We have the opportunity to be ambassadors for the knowledge we gained and transfer it into our own departments.  The new relationships established not only provide us individually with new friends, but they also serve as a pool of resources we can link one another to.  We cannot all be experts in every area, but we certainly can surround ourselves with those who are, that’s what FDIC is about.

FDIC - 2015Submitted by: Candice McDonald

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This is a summary from Becki White - Eden Prairie (MN) Fire Department's First Female Assistant Chief. This from her presentation at FDIC 2015.

There are many articles in this month’s newsletter on FDIC. If you haven’t been, you can tell it’s quite the event. Much like any ‘vacation’ you go on, there is far more to see and do than you will ever be able to take in over a few short days. This year was my third trip out to Indy. The first year I was able to go as a participant. I took HOT classes, classroom sessions and took in the expo floor.

Last year, in 2014, I was selected to teach a classroom session. I attended HOT sessions the first two days, and went to as many classroom sessions as I was able, but spend my expo floor time prepping (and getting the nerves out) for the presentation I gave on ‘Effective Presentations.’ This is a presentation I have done several times, and is well within my comfort zone, being a former teacher. But the excitement of presenting at FDIC was a bit intimidating.

This year I was able to go back and present a workshop which means I had four hours to talk about one of my passion-topics, fire safety education and public messaging. After that I was able to attend the rest of the conference and meet and network with other i-women members and other fire service professionals from across the country, and around the world.

My Presentation

I presented this year on fire safety education and messaging, as I mentioned above. The title of my presentation was “Why Fire Prevention Education Isn’t Working for Today’s Fire Service.” In the presentation I challenged some of the fire safety messaging that we have passed down for decades in the fire service, which has gone virtually unchecked. It’s hard to pack four hours into a few short paragraphs, so I’ll just give a brief overview on a few of the topics covered.

Many departments take their fire safety messaging for granted and use the same messages year after year. Or they get their direction from a company that sells plastic toys as giveaways, instead of looking critically at the research on fire behavior, human behavior and

marketing. We spend a lot of time on “prevention” events, when in actuality we’re not talking about fire prevention at all. If you’re discussing fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, meeting places, or the fire department staple stop-drop-and-roll you’re really not doing any fire prevention education. Those are all good messages, but none of them prevent a fire. They could prevent fatalities, but they don’t prevent fires. As, I said, they are good messages and there is a time and a place for them – however you need to make sure that your messages arelining up with the mission of your department. If your goal is to educate your citizens on how to prevent fires, then you need to spend some of your time in front of them talking about fire prevention messages and not just fatality prevention messages. Safe cooking practices, promoting the use of flameless candles, education on proper extinguishment of cigarettes, those measures can prevent the fires from happening in the first place.

If you are in charge of your budget for fire prevention give-aways, look at what you are spending your dollars on. If they are trinkets for kids, would you as a parent pitch them in the garbage the first time you had a chance, or is it a useful object? Does it have a purpose that matches with the message printed on it? Having a prevent kitchen fires slogan printed on a Frisbee is a little disconnected and generally misses the intended mark. Take some time to invest wisely in the products you purchase. Look through the coloring books and other materials that people are trying to sell you. Some of their messages are outdated – or even outright incorrect, and with your department logo stamped on the front it’s now your problem.

Looking Forward to Next Year!

If you’ve never been to FDIC, take some time over the next few months to investigate opportunities for sponsorships through your fire department, associations, or community groups. The opportunity to attend training presented by industry experts in the field, and to meet and network with other like-minded fire professionals is second to none. If you have a passion-topic that you have presented in the past, consider applying to be a speaker at FDIC International 2016. The call for presentations is open until June 19. Block off April 18-23, 2016 for FDIC International 2016 – I’ll see you there!

Why Fire Prevention Education

isn’t working for Today’s Fire Service

Submitted by: Becki White

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Lucas Stadium - Fire Apparatus Displays

Women Firefighters in attendance at FDIC - meet up one morning for the “Meet and Greet”

FDIC - iWomen Trustees with Chief Bobby HaltonTraining Chief Carol BrownCaptain Angie HughesDistrict Chief Susan TammeDriver Engineer Laura Hunter

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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meet firefighter-Sophia Rose

Firework Journal Final Entry: Cheese? Or no cheese?

“It is safer to search in the maze than to remain in a cheeseless situation”

― Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?

It's 9 o'clock, and my partner and I are turning into one of our first due's shopping strips. All the shops are preparing to be locked. Yet, the sparkly blue and red shimmer is calling us forward.

We're dispatched to a 70-something year old male that was found slightly altered, and in the care of a Sheriff. He was sitting slumped over on the curb and staring at the pavement. My medic walks up to him and greets him. "Sir, how are you? What seems to be going on today?" He looks up at me and smiles; his eyes glassy. I consider the possibilities. He appears intoxicated, but I don't smell alcohol.

After speaking to our patient, he agrees to being assessed and sticks out both arms, as requested during the stroke assessment. Yet, he opens them in more of an embrace. I joke playfully and smile, "We don't want hugs!" Our patient grins from ear to ear. I motion to my medic and ask him in our silent communique, and mouth the word "glucose?" He nods and jumps into getting more information from the patient.

I've worked several times with my medic. So much, to-the-point that we have a rhythm. This was the connection I've waited an entire year for, and frankly, it’s an awesome feeling. Now having earned some trust from those I work with, and possessing the confidence in my own skill and ability. Thinking back to a little over a year ago, I would have never imagined my experiences and thought processes from the start of my career in the fire service, until now.

Over time, I realized that I had developed my own personal biases, regarding myself in my new position. Consequentially, as I progressed, my biases grew. I had to recognize that if given life, those biases would hinder the connections that I had with the people I served, and those I worked beside. Knowing fully, that connections--relationships that are linked to something else--are essential to the service I provided.

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Meet Sophia Rose of Orange County Fire Rescue, Orlando,FL. IWomen asked to follow her journey as a first year firefighter from the Academy to the streets. Firefighter Rose will share her thoughts as she experiences many “firsts” during her first year in her career as a professional firefighter.Firefighter Sophia Rose is from Brooklyn, NY and currently resides in Orlando, FL. She always has a passion for helping people to feel better or to reach and/or maximize their potential in a variety of arenas. She currently is in her first year as a Firefighter for Orange County Fire Rescue Department in Central Florida. She finds herself to be blessed in being claimed by this career and is hoping to progress beyond her own humble expectations.This reporting series will start with the entrance experience and take the readers through the first year in the fire service.

iWomen MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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Continued from Page 15

My mother was recapturing a conversation that she had with a lady one day. And she was asked, "What does your daughter do for a living?" My mother told her. Her first response was, "How did she get that job?" in both a sarcastic and inquisitive way.

As a minor note: it took my mother, and father, a while to adjust to the choice of me becoming a firefighter. Their fears, their beliefs, their experiences and interactions, all playing into their concept of what a firefighter was to them. So, my mother was taken aback by the response, especially, after it seemed that she finally came to a place where she accepted my profession, and someone caught her off guard.

Sometimes, I find that if you ask a woman to be a teacher, a nurse, or a gardener, there are no questions of her occupation. But if a woman decides to be a chef, a pilot, a surgeon, a firefighter, there are some individuals who may believe that she, is in fact, a he, without direct knowledge of the person behind the occupation. So, why do some people have more faith in a woman's ability in some occupations, versus that of others?

When I transport a patient and have a rider next to me, its like a creepy puppet that sits on my shoulder that makes me realize I'm representing the female gender. And it whispers, “You better not mess up! You know what they say about female drivers." Or from a passenger's perspective: I've heard, "You can handle this thing? You?!" when referring to the rescue. I chuckle. As a probationary firefighter, I spent the year advancing, while overcoming old stereotypes, and my thoughts and insecurities.

Another bias that arose was when I worked with the stretcher, with or without help, my thoughts wandered briefly to what the patient may be thinking. And me thinking to myself, "Please don't let me embarrass me." My own biases were now making me question my training, knowledge, and my every right to be here. Even when knowing that I earned every ounce of becoming a firefighter because of my own sweat equity, mental efforts, integrity, and training. I realized that even from my time in Standards, I've been actively silencing this need to prove myself, when the proof was already in my work.

Are biases some crazy way to sabotage the interactions we have with others? We cannot forget that interactions are the very essence of this profession. So why do we sometimes run to defaults in our minds that "say" we aren't capable, or as good as? Fighting years of false inferiority due to our own biases based on gender, age, height, religion, genetic make up. Even recognizing some citizens, and crew members, unconsciously calling us "sir" when we may be the only female in the group.

It is a bias connection that we have to recognize because we are coming to an age where women like Retired Division Chief Tammy Wunderly, Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud, Assistant Chief Lauraleigh Avery, Battalion Chief Bessie Hudson, Assistant Chief Laura Baker, and Firefighter Barbara Ward, among other inspiring women, have their own stories to tell, and have pioneered and made a way for other women to enter, and be counted as a resource in the fire service. They have enabled us to become explorers, in an area where they have already pioneered. It is a new age. It is up to us, to help the public recognize that we exist. And it is our job to debunk the stereotypes.

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So, I propose to you all, a call to action:

1. to disconfirm our biases daily as female firefighters, or those who work with female firefighters

2. to admire, and rejuvenate our own personal experiences, with the examples of those women who made adifference, and made it easier for the "newbies" now entering the service

3. to understand that we cannot grow, if we stay comfortable; sometimes we have to challenge our ownbeliefs, in order to transform our mindsets, and

4. to recognize that diversity is, in fact, a resource, and not a hindrance

This past year has encouraged me to grow, in knowledge of myself, working with others and serving the public. There have been times where I've been saddened and disappointed with outcomes, but they have been overshadowed by many small victories. From my fondly remembered character-developing initiation training of Class 66, to putting out my first fire, to attending the iWomen's conference and writing for FireWork, to working my first pedi-code, to helping a neighbor get his airplane off of a roof, to sitting in medic school: no day is ever the same. And it's up to me to continue to keep challenging myself and finding the things that inspire me to continue to do what I have chosen. So, why stay in one spot, when I can keep looking for cheese. The journey is the adventure.

One thing this field is not short of is the opportunity to set goals; and expand on personal and career growth, knowledge and wisdom. As the new year progresses, I'd like to thank those in iWomen and those in Orange County who have given me a chance to navigate the beginning of my journey. Those who have been powerful influences in helping me make decisions to grow. Those who see and believe in my potential; who have, even in their unknown influence, have inspired me to emulate their attitude and enthusiasm.

I want those of you who have taken the chance to enter the fire service, and may have been subject to the negative opinion of women, or negativity of who you are specifically, in the fire service to "keep your eye on the prize!" Never forget who you are, and why you've chosen this occupation and profession. Some days may be harder than others! There is no doubt. But there are people who need and value your time, talent, and skill to make a portion of their day better. As a final note that one of my mentors shared with me, and I will graciously share with you: keep training, keep practicing, and don't be scared of busy stations. I wish you well in the latter portion of your year.

Much success to you all.

Sophia

Thank you so much Sophia and Congratulations on a Successful First Year. You are a great representative for women

firefighters and we are proud to work beside you.

Special Thanks to the Orange County Fire Department for allowing Firefighter Rose to share her journey with iWomen.

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