LAKELAND - Although women may be out numbered at many of our local fire stations, that doesn’t stop them from stepping into their boots when they receive the call.
The St. Paul Fire Department has one lone female among their members, while four women serve at Bonnyville Fire Station 5. They stand alongside their male counterparts during training, in the trucks, and on school visits.
Breaking down barriers
Brooke Royer is the only woman firefighter currently serving on the 37-member St. Paul Fire Department.
"Approximately 4.5 per cent of all firefighters in Canada are women. It certainly is a male dominated industry, so for any women to step forward is a feat on to itself," says St. Paul Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich.
Brooke is now in her sixth year with the fire department and has received the same training and certifications as her male counterparts.
"The NFPA 1001 Firefighter certification is an International one, (and) not easy to achieve while holding down a full-time job," says Kotowich.
But, there's even more that makes Royer stand out.
"The compassion she displays when dealing with victims of traumatic incidents is amazing," says the fire chief. "She is always wanting to learn more, and to better herself learning new skills."
While being a volunteer firefighter isn't for everyone, Royer has "broken down the barriers and any stereotypes that only 'men' can do this job," says Kotowich.
Royer became involved with the fire department after chatting with Kotowich, who encouraged Royer to apply. She officially became part of the crew in 2016.
"I guess the main reason that I wanted to join was that my father and uncle were both part of the St. Paul Fire Department while I was growing up," says Royer. "Their stories of courage and bravery while fighting a fire, or just rescuing someone from a vehicle, would always intrigue me and I hoped that one day I could follow in their volunteer footsteps."
Royer says being a firefighter has allowed her to grow immensely on a personal level.
When asked what she would say to other women interested in becoming firefighters, she responded by saying: "Take the jump and do it." The position may be intimidating at first, but women can be just as strong and just as courageous, says Royer.
"Becoming a firefighter was the best decision I have made, and I am definitely proud and honoured to be a part of the St. Paul Fire Department."
Training with the boys
There are four women out of the 36-member roster at the Bonnyville Fire Station 5.
With almost a decade under Shelby Scheper’s belt, she’s achieved her NFPA 1001 certification and more during that time. She originally joined the department to get some experience on accident calls as she was interested in becoming an EMT.
“I joined up, went to my first practice, and just loved it,” she recalls.
Scheper encourages other women to sign up to be a volunteer firefighter for a number of reasons.
“There’s a lot of really interesting things to learn, the little bit of an adrenaline rush (on calls) . . . It’s a lot of fun and it’s good to help the community when they’re at their worst,” she detailed, adding she hopes to inspire younger generations to sign up once they’re able to.
“I know when I’ve done school tours, the little girls get so excited. It’s really unique for them to see a female firefighter, so the more that we can be doing the better to inspire other generations of girls to think about it and join in.”
That is exactly what happened when Mikaylee Beck saw a female firefighter come to her school to talk about fire safety.
“It helped me believe that I could do that some day too. If it would have been all male firefighters that day, I might not have seen it that way.”
Beck, along with fellow member Jesen Wenzel, both came up through the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority’s (BRFA) junior firefighter program.
While Beck may have been intimidated at first to enter into a field that was mostly dominated by men, Station 5 quickly became a second family to her.
“We all have the same goal and everyone works together to accomplish that goal.”
Her smaller stature doesn’t hold her back during calls and it can be an asset in certain scenarios.
“As a firefighter, we all work hard and do similar tasks. The men do the heavy lifting, but so can we. At times, my size can be a unique tool that is utilized in doing specific tasks, such as fitting into confined areas.”
Like Beck, Amber McCutcheon also dreamed of becoming a firefighter for a long time.
“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter but, of course, my nerves got in the way, and being a mom. Then I moved here, probably nine years ago, and I knew I had to do it. I knew I had to get over my fear. I started working out at the gym, got fit and healthy, and then took the plunge.”
That was four months ago and McCutcheon hasn’t looked back since.
“I’m so proud to be a part of an amazing, dedicated, and hardworking team.”
The other members made McCutcheon comfortable right away and her favourite part so far have been the Tuesday evening training meetings because there’s always something new to learn.
Station chief Craig Wenzel spoke highly of each of the four women who volunteer their time alongside the men volunteer firefighters.
“In a mainly male dominated profession, it’s great to see women like these ones step up and help break down stereotypes and barriers, proving to themselves as well as others, that they do what it takes to be firefighters.”
A number of other fire departments across the Lakeland also have women firefighters serving on their crews.
