March is Women’s History Month, and U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran took the opportunity to recognize the role women have played in the American fire service.

“I am honored to join with many others in recognizing the countless and unselfish acts of so many women serving their communities in fire and emergency medical services organizations as firefighters and emergency medical technicians,” he said. “The quality and richness of our culture and honorable profession has been truly enhanced. Their contributions to our previously male-dominated industry have been transforming and compelling in departments and communities across this nation.”

Cochran added that the fire service is a better service provider today in part because of the many women who have responded to serve their communities.

Cheryl Horvath, a division chief with the Northwest Fire District and president of the International Association of Women in the Fire Service, was pleased to hear Cochran’s recognition of women in the emergency services. “The conversation needs to be elevated to that level and continued,” she said.

iWomen offers leadership, training and support, but also promotes to departments the benefits of hiring women. Horvath said that the changing role of the fire service with the increase in EMS calls, requires a correlating increase in customer and community service. “And that’s where women in the fire service can broaden the scope of people who can do the work,” Horvath said.

Horvath said that this year is a pivotal point for female firefighters, as many baby boomers will retire. The vacancies offer huge potential for more women to enter the fire and emergency services.

i-Women will host its annual leadership conference Aug. 23–24, in Chicago, prior to the IAFC Fire-Rescue Conference & Exhibition.