Patricia “Patti” Marfongelli has a long legacy within Salem’s Fire Department, one that even predates her 36 years as a firefighter — and she had a big first: The first woman to don firefighting gear in Salem when she accepted the job in 1986.
On Monday, the 60-year-old’s 36-year watch ended. The last day included an interview in the James “Jim” Koen Jr. firehouse on Essex Street, a building named after her father, who died in the line of duty Feb. 23, 1981, when she was just out of high school. A number of her other family members have served or are still on the Salem Fire Department.
“It’s a great job. I just love it, still love it today,” Marfongelli said, smiling ear-to-ear. “But it’s time. It’s time to go. You know when it’s time to go, and I just feel it.”
Over three decades, the job has changed dramatically. Gear has become lighter and easier to move in.