The Girl in the Firehouse




That almost sounds like a catchy name for a book, "the girl in the firehouse". Hen in the rooster's yard, cow in the bullpen, kitten in the puppy mill, however you sketch it, it comes down to this: I am, and have been for several years, out of place in respect to my line of work and gender.

Obviously, I'm not alone in this. There are plenty, plenty, plenty women out there who are the only female in the office. I'm just one of many. But still, even knowing that, it's a challenge sometimes to make sure I'm not snubbed or ignored. Where do I work? I'll give you a hint:

I'm not a firefighter, no. But I do share the same space as them. I'm an emergency planner (aka the person that makes the plans for when EVERYTHING goes wrong. You want to be my friend. Trust me.).

I love my work. My boss in phenomenal, supportive, and encouraging. He is a blessing, really. Every project I have come to him with, he's given me the full go ahead and lets me do my own thing, which is how I work best. But sometimes there are challenges.

For instance, when I first arrived, one of the volunteers asked if I was the new secretary. My Lt turned around and snapped at him as soon as I was out of the room, informing the volunteer I was the planner. I'm not recognized at many meetings outside of what I present, and I'm not voluntarily included in discussions. I push, I talk, I bribe with food, and I try to get them to relax. After a few months now, most of the crew feels comfortable enough to joke around me and I have slowly earned their respect. But it's hard won, and difficult to watch a new recruit walk in off the street and be instantly welcomed into the fold instead of going to the lengths that I did to get them to even swear around me (they still excuse themselves, which I have gotten used to and now find endearing).

But not all of my training and work takes place here. State wide trainings throw me into the mix with a variety of people, many of whom are highly experienced in the field, egotistical very confident in their opinions, and unyielding. Some of the guys though are more traditional then others, though. To the point where I have been slapped on the butt, had comments made about my chest being used as rescue apparatus, and being teased about being the only girl present in the room/company/etc. It's difficult. But I love this work. It's incredibly rewarding. And to be lucky enough to meet people like my boss and others who have supported me along the way is well worth it. I love my work. I just wish that the guys would realize that it doesn't matter what kind of chromosomes you have in an emergency situation. It matters how intelligent, prepared, and on your game you are. And, ladies and gentlemen, I've got game.