Sumter County Fire and EMS is shining a light on some of its members: the contributions of women firefighters. Women have served in fire services for over 200 years. Beginning in New York City in the 1800s and continuing during WWII, the history of women in the fire service is long and proud, and continues to be written today. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that only 93,700 of the 1.1 million firefighters in the United States are women, roughly 8 percent. Over 15,000 women hold career firefighting and fire officer positions in the United States, making up about 4 percent of career firefighters. There are 10 women serving in the Sumter County Fire & EMS department, representing 10 percent of the membership. “The women in our department serve in every aspect of the job. They are officers, paramedics, special operations technicians, instructors, peer supporters, fitness advisors and honor guard,” said Fire Chief Rob Hanson.
“They are sisters, mothers, wives and daughters. They are firefighters who day in and day out serve proudly with professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence. I couldn’t be more proud of the contribution and sacrifice that the women of Sumter County Fire & EMS make for our citizens and visitors.”
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