Adding women to the ranks of firefighters has been a slow and often difficult process, but a diverse group of female fighters in Contra Costa County say it's been well worthwhile.
Battalion Chief Sidney Jackett and engineer Amy Miller of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, firefighters Maria Castellanos and Shawnay Tarquinio of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and engineer Theresa Vouchilas of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District spoke in an interview about the challenges and rewards of their front-line jobs. They strongly encouraged other women to follow in their footsteps.
Why did the women choose the fire service in the first place, entering a profession rife with nontraditional hours, mental and emotional stress, and potentially life-endangering emergency calls daily?