Heavy smoke, zero visibility, and extreme heat are just some of the challenges 22 recruits face as they train to become Fall River firefighters. But as the recruits faced their first live burn training of the academy, there was another first for the department itself — the first female recruit in the department’s history.
“We knew right away that she’d be a good fit,” said Fall River Fire Chief Sean Flannery.
That’s because before she joined the academy, Stephanie Macedo was a roofer, all too familiar with heights, ladders, and working in extreme heat.
“We’ve been around since 1803,” said Chief Flannery. “To get our first female at this point, it is a little surprising, but we’re glad to have her.”
He says they’re not looking at Macedo as a female, but instead as a recruit who can do the job.