(Source: BlackNews.com)
NATIONWIDE — Five firefighters from DC, who are all African American women, took a casual photo at their station that unexpectedly went viral. Now, the crew hopes the attention encourages young girls to see firefighting as a career they can pursue.
The picture showed the women lined up in front of their truck outside the Southwest firehouse near L’Enfant Plaza. What started as a lighthearted moment quickly spread online, drawing thousands of likes and comments.
Firefighter technician Krystal Stover, a 17-year veteran and recruiter with DC Fire and EMS, said the response meant more than she expected. “There’s little girls out there that’s watching that never thought, ‘Hey, I wanted to be a firefighter before, but shoot, they’re having fun while they’re becoming a firefighter,’” she told WTOP.
The women’s daily work goes far beyond photos. Stationed near the White House and the Wharf, their unit responds to emergencies across the city. They are also on standby whenever Marine One takes off or lands.
For firefighter Monique Collier, the viral post showed that women can handle the same challenges as men in the fire service. “We do have fun, but we work and we are held to the same standard as the men. We have to pull the same weight, we have to pass the same type of courses and the same type of physical tests that they have to take,” she said.
Sgt. Whitney Ward, with nearly two decades of service, added that firefighting offers many career paths. “These are roles that you can take and you can become officer, a technician, a fire investigator, fire inspector. You can do the job just as well. Don’t limit yourself whatsoever,” she said.
Women make up 13 percent of DC Fire and EMS, nearly triple the national average. The crew has also received messages from women firefighters nationwide, asking about gear designed for women and policies on pregnancy and family support.
All five praised the department for making it possible to balance work and family. “The department does not make you pick between your job and your family,” firefighter Chanel Olden said.
Still, the women emphasized their commitment. “We are a bunch of pretty faces in the picture, but we still do the work here, day in and day out. Anytime we’re on shift, whether it’s our shift or overtime,” Olden said.
To continue inspiring the next generation, they invited girls to programs like Camp Sparks, a weekend camp for ages 12 to 17, and the cadet program for those 18 to 21 with a high school diploma or GED.
“Women are taking over right now within the fire service, and I would love for more of us to join,” Ward said.