With only about nine females among London’s 360 firefighters, a new camp is encouraging more girls to consider the career.
About 20 15- to 18-year-olds are taking part in Female Firefighers in Training (FFIT) that includes extrications and recovering “bodies” from a smoky room.
“Females have not traditionally applied to firefighting. We’re just trying to encourage more to start thinking about it at an early age,” says Brian George, a deputy fire chief.
Alison Vickerd has been a firefighter for 13 years and calls it rewarding. She says the camp is worthwhile even if the girls decide on another profession.
“Throughout the week we build their self-confidence. We teach them about the equipment. And in the end, whether they choose firefighting or not, they have an increase in self-worth.”
Melissa Culbertson’s father and grandfather were both firefighters and she’s determined to be one, too.
She realizes it won’t be easy.
“A lot of perseverance and knowing what I’ve got to do to make it. I’m very motivated to become a London firefighter.”
