Firefighters are reaching new heights in this city.
For the first time in the New Britain Fire Department’s 190-year history, two female firefighters have reached the rank of lieutenant.
Mayor Erin Stewart recently announced the promotion of Lauren Burns and Petra Chesanek to lieutenant.
“The city intentionally fosters an environment within our fire department that provides opportunities for female firefighters to rise up through the ranks,” Stewart said. “The fact that women are applying for lieutenant positions for the first time proves this ongoing shift to a modern, inclusive fire department culture continues to be successful.”
New Britain Fire Chief Raul Ortiz also expressed his pride for Burns and Chesanek.
“The New Britain Fire Department is committed to not only increasing the diversity of firefighters it hires, but to be more inclusive of those underrepresented groups throughout all ranks,” Ortiz said.