Female firefighters might be few, but they perform same roles as men
BUTLER — There’s no doubt that firefighting is — and always has been — a male-dominated occupation, even after more than 200 years since the first woman joined the firefighting service.
“I’ve been called upon to carry out duties,” said Paula Schmidt, a South Butler firefighter who has been serving for 12 years, “just like the next man beside me.”
Only about 4 percent of firefighters nationwide are women, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Schmidt said she’s worked with other women firefighters in the past, but her department does not have any other active women firefighters at the moment.
“Unfortunately, there’s a nationwide shortage (of firefighters),” Schmidt noted.
Schmidt said the majority of misconceptions she’s seen people have, particularly about women who have considered joining the department, revolve around “strength and ability.”
“Whoever wants to come and join, we’re happy to have them,” she said. “You shouldn’t say you can’t do something.”
This is an excerpt — pick up Monday's Butler Eagle to read the full story in the Fire tab.
