This summer, for the first time in the department’s history, women outnumbered men in the Richmond Fire Department’s latest slate of new recruits.
For Captain Jamila Flowers, it’s a historic milestone.
“When I first came in, I was the 11th female hired,” Flowers, who joined the department in 2001, told WTRV Richmond in early July.
With more than two decades of experience under her “duty” belt, Flowers now works as the fire department’s training captain.
Through the years, she’s helped both men and women navigate the academy’s training.
“Back [in 2001], you know, this was not a sought-out field for females, and it still isn’t, but more and more we're seeing more and more females,” Flowers said.
For Flowers, her department’s latest class stands out in particular: 59% of the 22 graduates were women.
“I was like, man, there's more females than it is males,” Flowers said.
The backgrounds of the freshman firefighters vary from person to person, but many shared an interest in medical training and public service before they ever set foot in the academy.
“I did a little EMS before this, and doing that, I saw a lot of firefighters,” said one recruit, Za'nae Salam. “I work alongside them, and it was just something that I thought would be challenging and I'll grow.”
“I used to work in crisis mental health,” said Salam’s peer, Rowan Lacey. “And I really loved helping people, but also really loved the crisis side of things and the fast pace.”
After joining the academy, Salam walked into her first class expecting a male-dominated atmosphere.
“When I first wanted to be a firefighter, I didn't see many women as firefighters,” Salam said, “so [to] come in and see my classmates, like a lot of women, it made me excited.”
To qualify as a firefighter at the Richmond Fire Department, all graduates must attend a 24-week Fire Recruit Academy, which includes both EMS and Fire-Rescue training.
The program, which is physically demanding, includes fire suppression tactics, use of hazardous materials, driver training, and rescue preparedness.
The training also involves a two-story burn building and an artificially constructed maze designed to simulate actual fire conditions.
“My first time actually putting a fire out, that was probably the best day of my life,” Salam said.
Salam and Lacey hope that their presence in the crew will inspire the next generation of female firefighters.
“I think that representation is really good, and it's going to be amazing to have us out in the field and be like that for other young women [who] want to join,” Salam said.
“If you're willing to work hard, physically and work hard mentally, anyone of any gender can do this job,” Lacey agreed.
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Header image via The Richmond Fire Department
