Female fdny firefighters. Oct 10, 2015 · Its Gets Better Campaign, 10/10/15 “With their It Gets Better video, the brave men and women of the FDNY have made a powerful statement in support of LGBT youth,” said Brett M Jan 27, 2023 · New York’s Bravest now has 288 new probationary firefighters after 18 weeks of intensive training. Wilson remains one of only 10 African-African women on a force of more than “They Saved New York” is a book project that captures a wide range of the firefighters that serve the New York Fire Department (FDNY). When looking at race/ethnicity, all groups make between 15% to 29% of the NYC population. S. ” Despite this, she The City of New York, which allowed for her and 40 other women to enter the fire academy in 1982. Her name was Molly Williams, and she was a slave. Leonard, review a historical section that looks back at hard-fought victories of female first responders The FDNY did virtually nothing to prepare either the new women firefighters or the male firefighters for women coming on “The Job. Please call 718-999-FDNY to be on the FDNY contact list so you can be notified when there is a new written exam. Chief Fitzsimmons, who joined the FDNY in 2001, is now the highest-ranking female firefighter. Nigro promoted 30 Firefighters to the rank of Lieutenant at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, including […] Do you like it? Oct 3, 2025 · This research guide provides resources on women in the fire service, including the history of female firefighters, personal experiences, and training and support for current female firefighters. Mar 8, 2022 · Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh stands with 13 female FDNY Probationary Firefighters who graduated from the FDNY Fire Academy on International Women’s Day. But with overtime, fringe and holiday pay, which is often required, you can get additional Dec 11, 2014 · The Fire Department has stopped requiring probationary firefighters to pass a job-related physical-skills test before getting hired — a move that critics derided as a lowering of standards. Their strength, resilience and unwavering dedication are at […] Laura R. ” The story was relatively positive, chronicling her work as a firefighter in Engine 60. military and female athletic clubs Oct 27, 2022 · Laura Kavanagh, who became the first female commissioner of the Fire Department of New York Thursday, hopes her appointment will pave the way for other women to hold the role in the future. Kavanagh (born 1981 or 1982 [2]) is an American government official who served as the 34th commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). 14, 2025, becoming the first female to reach the rank of deputy chief in fire operations at a promotion ceremony at Queens College. Jan 12, 2025 · Throughout the first 112 years of its existence, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) had little need for the gender neutral term “firefighter. The book is a large format photo book with evocative portraits and the personal story of the firefighters experience as FDNY members. Despite the disparity she says she would recommend FDNY as a career. Lifelong medical coverage for you and your family Growth opportunities Flexible work schedules Up to four weeks paid vacation per year Generous pension Starting salary for a Firefighter is $54,122. Manuel Fonseca, president, National Association of Hispanic Firefighters . The FDNY Calendar of Heroes is back for 2026! Sponsored by the FDNY Foundation in partnership with Firehouse Subs, the iconic calendar showcases some of the FDNY’s bravest and most dedicated first responders from across New York City. While at the FDNY, about half of all firefighters Feb 13, 2025 · FDNY officer Michele Fitzsimmons, who was told by her grandfather that "women shouldn't be firefighters" is poised to become the highest-ranked woman uniformed firefighter in department history Apr 17, 2023 · Trailblazing firefighter Brenda Berkman joins us to discuss her experiences as one of the first and few women on the force, and about her work for the organization Monumental Women. Seven members of her firehouse — Engine 219 in Park Slope, Brooklyn — died that day. Sep 9, 2025 · How many female firefighters died on 9/11? On September 11, 2001, one female firefighter was killed in the line of duty: FDNY Firefighter Dana Hannon, assigned to Ladder 13, who had previously Mar 23, 2016 · National Women’s History Month: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government Written by: Juliana Weiss, Intern Josephine Smith on Answering the Call Josephine Smith, current member of the FDNY, and the only woman in in her division, is redefining the idea of the typical New York City Firefighter. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The Oct 27, 2022 · “The National Association of Hispanic Firefighters applauds Mayor Adams’ appointment of Ms. For information on promotional exam from FDNY EMS to Firefighter, please call 718-999-FDNY. Berkman, a lawyer, joined a landmark lawsuit against the FDNY, advocating for equal opportunities for women in firefighting. The United Women Firefighters Association of New York City, Inc. Sep 11, 2021 · The first female firefighter joined the department in 1980. They make history every day as the female first responders who keep the people of New York City safe. Fifteen women graduated from the FDNY Academy in 2018, the largest number of new female firefighters since that initial 1982 class. Mar 23, 2024 · The FDNY is working to get more women firefighters on the job and in honor of Women’s History Month, the department held a recruitment event for women at the headquarters in Downtown Brooklyn. ” The department accepted only firemen and barred fully qualified women from serving until 1977. For more information about being a firefighter, please visit the FDNY website. Her story, and those of other pioneer female firefighters, reveals the price these women Oct 20, 2021 · I joined the FDNY because I wanted to demonstrate to my peers that women can serve here and I wanted to inspire other women to join the FDNY,” said Lieutenant Joann Diaz, who made history today as the first Latina to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant during our Fire Officers Promotion Ceremony in Brooklyn. Jul 31, 2025 · Women’s History Month 2025: Meet Kelly Carr, Fire Code Counsel in the Bureau of Legal Affairs/Code Development Unit Throughout FDNY’s history, women have played vital roles in protecting and serving the people of New York City. Women firefighters on Saturday will hold an event to promote diversity in the city’s Fire Department and encourage applicants to Sep 27, 2022 · Councilwoman Joann Ariola hosted a City Hall reception on Friday, Sept. The initiative showcased the stories of firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers and civilian personnel across multiple FDNY channels, including the Department's monthly newsletter, MyFDNY News, social media posts, on Department websites and Oct 30, 2017 · Sarinya Srisakul is the first Asian American female firefighter in New York City and is the president of United Women Firefighter's. All, like Chief Fitzsimmons, came of age in a post-9/11 FDNY. Bravest Women Bravest Women is a limited edition book celebrating Women’s History Month and the important accomplishments of women in the Fire Department across decades, ranks and career paths. Brenda Berkman (born 1951 [2]) is a pioneering female firefighter. There were also 44 women. Firefighter Recruitment & Retention Plan (PDF) (2023) Apr 6, 2017 · It’s a race to the finish — of the FDNY application process. This site was created to keep the Feb 14, 2025 · The FDNY has struggled to add women to its ranks since 1982. The court The United Women Firefighters (UWF) has successfully trained hundreds of female candidates with the desire to join FDNY. In her farewell at Rescue 1 last March she was caputured by News 12 telling her collagues: “I thank everyone I worked with over the years. Public controversy, the opposition of many of their male co-workers, and the firing of some of their small group—including the two most public women (Brenda Berkman and Zaida Gonzalez)—all made the work difficult. Jan 30, 2014 · The FDNY is trying to recuirt more women through an aggressive campaign, including attending events organized by Nontraditional Employment for Women, the U. | New York Magazine Prior to 1977 there was a quota for women firefighters in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)—that quota was zero. 11 attacks in 2001, she was on the scene as one of the first responders at the World Trade Center site. Jan 29, 2014 · Why are so few firefighters female?New York City firefighter Sarinya Srisakul speaks about her work in the FDNY at a Manhattan fire house. It is the only official calendar of the New York City Fire Department. Sep 24, 2019 · With the 2019 class of probationary firefighters including 16 women, the FDNY now has more than 100 women in its ranks for the first time ever. This site is dedicated to all the women, both past and present, of the FDNY. Aug 24, 2015 · Regina Wilson was only the 12th African-American woman to join the FDNY when she entered the force in 1999. Inside, read columns by Fire Commissioner Daniel A. 11, Berkman operated as a fire officer, remaining at Ground Zero until the end of rescue and recovery efforts in May 2002. It was not reported or gathered or preserved, and the names of the hundreds or thousands of women who served their communities on bucket brigades, fire watches, and volunteer fire companies from deep in the past until the 1970's will never be known. Jun 17, 2023 · NEW YORK-- A survey administered by the FDNY to firefighters finds that Black and female members experience harassment and uncivil treatment at three times the rate of others in the department Feb 18, 2025 · FDNY history was made at Queens College as the head of Battalion 46 in Elmhurst became the first-ever female deputy chief and the highest-ranking woman in fire operations. Fitzsimmons, who joined the FDNY in 2001, overcame early discouragement from her grandfather—a retired battalion chief—who initially told her that “women shouldn’t be firefighters. members consist of women firefighters and women fire officers who work for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Dealing with Harassment (1982–92) As women firefighters began their new jobs they faced challenges well beyond the very demanding physical conditions of firefighting. Today, women make up less than 2% of the FDNY’s 11,000-person workforce, compared to 9% nationwide and Nov 9, 2022 · Eight women graduated from “the Rock” — the FDNY training academy — in August, bringing the number of female firefighters in the force to 141, the highest in its 157-year history. Their strength, resilience and unwavering dedication are at […] We are the United Women Firefighters (UWF), an affinity group of women firefighters working in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Laura Kavanagh as the first female fire commissioner for the FDNY, said Dr. However, since the 1970s, women have made inroads in both professional and volunteer fire departments in multiple countries. Appointed by Mayor Eric Adams on October 27, 2022, [3] Kavanagh oversaw the diversification of the FDNY applicant pool, including graduating the largest group of women in nearly three decades 2026 FDNY Calendar of Heroes (Female) $ 25. She was first woman to hold the position. Nigro and Chief of Department James E. She is just one of 177 women firefighters and fire chiefs among the 11,000 uniformed members of the department. Jun 21, 2025 · Officials said they want to identify the firefighters involved as well as their female passengers — a brunette and a blonde, caught donning one of the firefighters’ helmets. May 3, 2015 · United Women Firefighters, an organization of FDNY women, objects to the FST test, contending it unfairly bars females. The first group of women hired as part of the FDNY, including Brenda Berkman, who is often credited as the first female firefighter because she led the charge to allow women to become firefighters in the FDNY. TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager has more about the women first responders from the New York City Black & Female FDNY Firefighters Experience More Harassment New survey says the two groups experience harassment and uncivil treatment at three times the rate of others in the department. They would need their strength for decades to come, for meeting the challenges of the job itself was only a start. And 118 women are on the job today. Nonetheless, they comprise less than 20% of firefighters even in the countries where Women get tested with the same expectations as everyone else. 00 Most of the history of women in the fire service is lost to us. Tucker honored Women's History Month with a new campaign to showcase the contributions of women in the FDNY. This first group of women were a diverse group comprised of women of different backgrounds and experiences. This site will include information about training, events, photos, commerce, as well as support and try to help members stay in touch with each other. Apr 23, 2025 · Women’s History Month 2025: Meet Kelly Carr, Fire Code Counsel in the Bureau of Legal Affairs/Code Development Unit Throughout FDNY’s history, women have played vital roles in protecting and serving the people of New York City. . During the Sept. 36 minutes ago · Firefighters rescued two women who they found together in a third-floor apartment, one of them unconscious. Mar 6, 2013 · Cover story in New York Magazine, January 10, 1983: “Fire Woman—On a Run With Zaida Gonzalez of Engine Company 60. She was the sole named class plaintiff in the federal sex discrimination lawsuit that opened the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) to women firefighters. We offer several free weekly training sessions that effectively improve cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Featuring firefighters, EMTs and paramedics who embody peak fitness, resilience and Forty two women passed the new test, and in September 1982 entered the NYC Fire Academy, becoming the first women firefighters in the history of the FDNY. Not much detail exists about Williams beyond a few bare facts: she belonged to the family of a wealthy Benefits and Salary FDNY Firefighters receive an incredible benefits package and a competitive salary. Feb 14, 2025 · After more than 24 years on the job, Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons made history on Friday, Feb. In modern times, women have served in a variety of fire service roles including as fire chiefs. On Sept. Feb 4, 2015 · As of November 2014, the FDNY had roughly 933 firefighters who identified themselves as Hispanic, 504 as black and 110 as Asian, FDNY statistics show. When looking at gender, 52% of the population is female and 48% male in NYC. We donate to local charities, while featuring strong and beautiful women in Fire and Rescue services. When asked what inspired her to become We are the United Women Firefighters (UWF), an affinity group of women firefighters working in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Mar 28, 2006 · When the New York City Fire Department tried to push women out of firefighting, Brenda Berkman pushed back. Firefighting has historically been a predominantly male profession throughout the world. ” The firefighters’ union—the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA)—continued to oppose the hiring of the new women and appealed Judge Sifton’s decision even after the City ended its appeal. Apr 22, 2024 · Firefighter Demographics Report (PDF) (Published July 29, 2019) Firefighter Demographics Report (PDF) (Published March 9, 2017) In accordance with Local Law 116, a report on establishing a recruitment and retention plan for FDNY Firefighters must be posted on the Department’s website. Sep 7, 2023 · In 1973, Brenda Berkman became the first paid female firefighter in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). May 5, 2015 · The FDNY will allow Rebecca Wax, 33, to graduate from the Fire Academy despite failing the physical-fitness test, sparking anger among some firefighters over lowered standards. 'Glamour' and Netflix will honor her at the Woman of the Year Feb 17, 2025 · Newly promoted FDNY Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons is one of 75 in the rank. 23, to honor the 40th anniversary of the first female firefighters joining the FDNY. [3] After she won the lawsuit in 1982, she and 40 other women became FDNY firefighters. Our purposes are charitable and educational Two Women Get Promoted to Fire Lieutenant at Latest Ceremony On Wednesday, May 29, 2019, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Feb 17, 2025 · FDNY Battalion Chie f Michele Fitzsimmons is set to be promoted to deputy chief on Friday, making her the highest-ranking uniformed woman firefighter in the department’s history. [4] Mar 9, 2025 · Firehouse Dolls, The oldest female Firefighter Calendar. The gender and racial/ethnic compositions of NYC and that of the FDNY’s firefighters are very different. The FDNY initially said both women were in critical condition. On the other hand, less than 2% of firefighters are female at the FDNY. CIVILIAN WORKFORCE ANALYSIS FDNY Workforce Distribution FIRE TITLES EMS TITLES CIVILIAN Today, there are about 160 women firefighters in a service that numbers about 10,000 people including firefighters and officers. And with that group, the FDNY now has more women in its ranks than ever before. Battalion Chief Michele By Ginger Adams Otis Black Firefighters It’s no secret that FDNY firefighters are among the best in the world, but here’s a little-known fact about New York’s Bravest: a black woman was among the city’s earliest black firefighters. Mar 27, 2025 · March 27, 2025 In March, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. The object of this association shall be to unite in sisterhood and promote the interests and welfare of women firefighters and women fire officers of the City of New York. There were 35 in the FDNY on 9/11. Sep 11, 2021 · Brenda Berkman, who sued the city of New York to ensure that women could become firefighters, has fought to raise awareness of the women first responders on the frontlines during 9/11. By the time she retired in 2006, she had become one of the highest-ranking women in the FDNY over her 25-year career. ebq w4l tlzvjsc msg onicm jzqdu zn ru 6gujn emwlcrfw