The underrepresentation of women in firefighting is a critical issue, with women accounting for only 4% of firefighters across the United States. In an effort to address this disparity, a pioneering initiative called the “Fierce Future” Female Firefighters Readiness Workshop is set to take place in Broken Arrow. This event, organized by the Tulsa Metro Women on Fire in collaboration with the Broken Arrow Fire Department, is scheduled for June 14 and aims to empower women interested in pursuing careers in firefighting.
Workshop Overview
Registration for this impactful workshop will open at 8 a.m. on Friday. It is designed specifically for women who are curious about the firefighting profession and want to gain insights into the hiring process.
Jill Boeckman, who has the distinction of being the first female Captain in the Broken Arrow Fire Department, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “June 14th is the day that we’re having it, and Broken Arrow Fire is super excited to be teaming up with Tulsa Metro Women on Fire to host the workshop.” The venue for the workshop will be the Broken Arrow Fire Department Training Center.
What to Expect
Unlike traditional physical training sessions, the workshop will center on equipping participants with knowledge and skills necessary for successful hiring. Attendees will receive guidance on various aspects of the application process, including an introduction to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and mock interview practices.
According to Boeckman, participants will also learn about crafting resumes and understanding background checks, leaving the event with a comprehensive packet detailing steps to take for securing a position in firefighting.
The workshop has a fee of $50, which covers a wealth of resources from various local fire departments, including in-depth hiring information.
The Importance of Representation
Kendall Taylor, CEO of Tulsa Metro Women on Fire, highlighted the significance of encouraging women in this field. “I think that being able to show women that they are capable and that they can do this job is pretty amazing,” Boeckman remarked, emphasizing her passion for inspiring others. Taylor added that workshops like this, along with initiatives such as Camp Fierce, create opportunities for young women to envision futures they may not have previously considered. “This is a dream that maybe a lot of them had never even realized was a dream until they get to see it in real life,” she noted.
Spaces Available
While the workshop will accommodate around 25 participants, the organizers are open to expanding capacity if there is heightened interest. Boeckman stated, “We can find some room.”
For additional details and registration information, interested individuals can visit the Tulsa Metro Women on Fire website.
