Jacksonville’s first black female firefighter says being the 'first' was just as tough as actually fighting flames.
Glenda Hopkins began her firefighting journey 40 years ago. She was only 8-years-old when she faced a terrible tragedy that inspired her to become a firefighter.
“I lost a nephew to a house fire,” Hopkins said. “As a young child, it was so hurtful because I actually thought it was a doll, so when the doll was no longer there it really hurt me. From there I said, I really want to make sure no other child dies from a house fire.”
Little did she know she’d make history for being the first African-American woman hired by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
“It was a great accomplishment,” Hopkins said. She reached her childhood goal when she was 26 years old.