The roots of the fire service run deep. The reason I look up to it so much is the years of tradition in the making. One of the first classes of my basic training the Chief made it a point to remind us that fire does not discriminate. Fire does not care if you are paid, volunteer, black, white or what is between your legs. As a result, you are to train and are excepted to know and execute each task thrown at you. Since affirmative action, there has been a push for many women to join a so-called "man's world." Some who have joined have made it a point that the correct pronouns should be used and many have been paranoid to comply. Nothing is more annoying than "Gentlemen...and lady". Unless you are referring to everyone with something between their legs, I am pretty sure I am included in guys, gentlemen and brothers. In addition, if flames are rolling over your head or leading a hose line I am sure political correctness is the last thing on your mind. If you find a victim during your search you don’t stop to think about the gender but rather to get them out as soon as possible. When we are all hanging around do not censor yourself around me. You too should feel comfortable in our second home. A separate but equal clause should not stand. I am here to do the same things everyone else does and just as well. When I am suited up in bunker gear and a mask I look like everyone else.
There have been occasions where the media has made it a point to emphasize women in the fire service. Some carry that home and those who constantly reference the difference between you and the rest your brothers, have already lost the battle. It is paradoxical to demand equality then differentiate yourselves. Some may even believe that by doing that you may be taking away from the rest of us. Not all females of the fire service look for bragging rights but rather to continue the tradition of brotherhood. In today’s atmosphere of controversy surrounding gender equality and pay equity, the fire service is one of the few lines of work where women enjoy full pay equity with their male colleagues.
Just like there are women who cannot fulfill these duties there are also men who face that reality as well that is why it is such an honor to be apart of this brotherhood. It takes a special type of person to join and succeed in this line of work such as, but not limited to, physical strength, mental strength and courage -- all traits which are not gender-specific. When it all hits the fan you need to save yourself and your brothers. Like Chief said, fire does not discriminate. We all burn the same.
