Lieutenant Leslee Smith retired from North Whatcom Fire and Rescue in October after 26 years of service, leaving behind a trailblazing career where she helped women see themselves in bunker gear and a red hat.
Smith, a B.C. native, spent the beginning of her career as a child care counselor in B.C. and a behavioral specialist at Blaine Primary School. While working with Blaine Fire Department at the primary school, Smith was encouraged to become a volunteer firefighter.
Whatcom County Fire District 13 merged with the Blaine Fire Department in 1999 and, at 46 years old, Smith switched fields and became the first female firefighter the department hired.
“It wasn’t something I got into so I could become chief one day,” Smith said. “My goal was to serve my community and become part of the community.”