NYS Academy Hosts Women's Conference

The first annual NYS Women Firefighters Seminar Weekend made history as the first-ever assemblage of career and volunteer female firefighters from throughout the State. Some 150 women, representing 101 fire departments, converged on the NYS Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, Sept. 27-29, for training, workshops, demonstrations and networking.

"The enthusiasm and energy generated during this singular event were incredible," said State Fire Administrator James A. Burns. "Plans for expanded training and seminar topics for next year are already underway. We are taking our cues from the overwhelmingly positive evaluation forms received from the attendees." The weekend was the initiative of the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), in partnership with Women in the Fire Service, Inc. A 16-member steering committee of New York women firefighters guided development of the program.

In addition to a variety of seminars, including physical fitness, turnout gear for women and urban/technical search and rescue, participants tested the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) elements and went through the mask confidence maze. Firefighter Louise Austin, West Babylon Fire Department, Suffolk County, commented, "Everyone was very supportive of one another... great motivators and we each pushed each other to conquer our fears and doubts, even when we couldn't do something."

FDNY Captain Rochelle T. "Rocky" Jones, opening keynote speaker, recounted her twenty-year career, from a 24-year-old verbally abused and physically threatened "probie" to her imminent promotion to battalion chief. It began as a wager with male friends in her Brooklyn neighborhood who were taking a training course in preparation for the firefighter's written exam. Rocky bet she could take the civil service test without the course and score within five points of them. She did. As thrilled as Rocky was to receive her own firefighting gear in September, 1982, there was one disconcerting note: her helmet read, "Probationary Fireman." "That's right: 'Fireman.' I can't imagine a man wearing an insert on the front of their helmet that said 'Firewoman' for twelve months!"

Rocky challenged the women to always give 100%. "If you give it your all, you will succeed. Of course, not everyone will accept you, or give you the credit you are due, but you can succeed. You can have a successful career. You can go from the probie nobody spoke to, to being a sought after firefighter, lieutenant, captain, even chief. Remember, that in order to see the rainbow, you must weather the storms. I have weathered the storms, but now all I see are rainbows. I wish you all rainbows."

Chief Rosemary Bliss, the first woman career chief in California and a native of the Finger Lakes region, got her start as the first female member of the 97-man Chautauqua Volunteer Fire Department. During her closing address, she recounted six members resigning because they wouldn't belong to a department with any women in it. "My father still says that he did not send his baby girl to college to become a 'fireman'."

"Training and education proved to be the key to my success and eventual acceptance in the department." She was elected assistant chief three years running, before setting out for California in 1973, because there were opportunities for women as career firefighters. Rosemary became a Fire Marshall in Tiburon and in 1993, was appointed Chief of the Tiburon Fire Protection District, a post she retired from in June.

"And I am here today to tell you that I am a survivor who was able to adapt and thrive in both of those environments of firefighting and fire chiefing. In spite of what others said I could not do because I was too small, because I was too old, because I was a woman I am especially appreciative when I can participate in workshops such as this with so many bright, strong and capable women. I appreciate what you are going through in your own departments. I admire your courageand I applaud your dedication to the service of your communities."

Firefighter Ginny Ashline, Arlington Fire Department, Dutchess County said, "I found the weekend to be extremely wonderful. It feels great to realize we are not alone." Firefighter Jennifer Baisley, Stony Point Fire Department, Rockland County, summed up the experience, "This was a very inspiring weekend. It meant a lot to me."

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