Capt. Brenda Berkman of the New York Fire Department is retiring after nearly 25 years of service. Berkman is the commander of Engine 239 in Brooklyn, an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy and the founder of the United Women Firefighters in New York City.

Berkman began her career as a firefighter in 1982 after winning a federal sex discrimination suit. The story of her battle for employment with the FDNY was the subject of the documentary “Taking the Heat,” which aired recently on PBS.

Berkman is a graduate of the NFA's Executive Fire Officer Program. She is the first professional firefighter to be selected as a White House Fellow. She also is a former president and trustee of the national organization Women in the Fire Service.

Berkman's last tour in the firehouse will be the night of Sept. 13. Her official date of retirement is Sept. 14.