Type of Organization

Other Response Agency Type

Job Function

Firefighter

Years in Fire/EMS:

20

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

U.S. Forest Service

Years With Department/Agency

20

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.fs.fed.us/

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Hotshots, Heli-Rappellers, Fire Engine Operator, Air Tanker Base Coordinator

My Training:

Wildland fireline cutting, chainsaw operator, type B; engine operator, crew boss, helibase manager T-1, dispatcher, supervisor

About Me:

Began my firefighting career as a Hotshot in Flagstaff, AZ in 1988. 2nd woman certified in Fire Heli-Rappelling, certified in Tucson, AZ, 1992.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I knew people in the profession who encouraged me to join. I have a Love of outdoors, it's physically challenging, I love to travel, it's an adrenaline rush and hard care work.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I have a genuine care for saving lives, homes and land from fire devastation. As a Heli-rappeller, I rappel into a place so remote, I may be the first person to ever step foot there since it may have been a lightning caused fire.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Especially women: still a lack of facilities catering to women, still a field dominated by men.