Written by Chief Dennis Compton, second edition to Fire Service Women of Vision and Leadership, features outstanding women in the fire services industry. This resource is intended to commemorate, encourage and celebrate the vital roles of women in both the fire service and American history.
In Recognition of March 2026 Women’s History Month
Fire Service Leaders…Who Happen to be Women
Congratulations to the women selected for this 2026 recognition as well as all the many other women who lead and work
throughout the nation’s fire service community.
The International Fire Service Training Association and Fire Protection Publications at Oklahoma State University are greatly appreciated for their incredible support in creating this electronic publication. A special thank you to Sheri Compton for sharing her creative talents in the design and layout of this collection of exceptional women/leaders.
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Dennis Compton Introduction Women’s History Month in 2026 has provided a great opportunity to celebrate some of the women in the fire service who have provided exceptional leadership and achieved success during their careers. On the final day, March 31st, rather than
focus on just one additional woman, I chose to highlight all the many who have selected the fire service as their career field and excelled in the process. This is the second time I have used Women’s History Month (the first was in 2021) as an opportunity to feature women who are working and leading in every area of the fire service. And a lot has changed over the past five years. Having long been considered a “non-traditional” job for women, that term is less accurate today, and in the fire service, we might even say that it’s moving in the direction of becoming more “traditional.” As I hope was demonstrated in my Facebook Posts throughout March, women in today’s fire service hold positions as firefighters, engineers, captains, chiefs, fire chiefs, fire commissioners, dispatchers, research scientists, IT and data managers, consultants, code enforcers, and fire and life safety educators. They are also training directors, fire marshals, workers and leaders within myriad fire service associations and organizations, as well as serving within non-profit and for- profit partner organizations. Just as one would expect, no matter where they are positioned within the fire and life safety community, these women tend to be extremely competent, well trained, and often highly educated.
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It has been an honor for me to spend every morning of this 2026 Women’s History Month researching, writing, and sharing these chronicles with you on Facebook. They have been quite popular, and some of the comments written by various readers are quoted within this book. I am extremely proud to be a member of the fire service, and even more proud of the women and men who have made it such a wonderful profession – not only for those of us who have been part of it, but for our families and in the eyes of our customers as well. I hope you enjoy this book and can use it to encourage and educate women and men by serving as an example of what they too might accomplish in a career within the vastly diverse fire and emergency services community. Thanks to the 30 women featured in this book, and a special thanks to the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications at Oklahoma State University (IFSTA/FPP/OSU) for partnering with this project as part of their longstanding commitment to informing and training the nation’s fire service. One final thanks to my wife, Sheri Compton, for sharing her talents to create the layout of this book. She’s a star!
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Peg Paul Peg Paul is the founder and
president of the marketing firm of Peg Paul & Associates. She, and her work, are no stranger to many fire service members. Her greatest contributions come in the areas of fire and life safety education and awareness. Specifically, Peg has
been the Communications Manager for the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) since 1997. Prior to that, she worked for about 5 years with national water heater organizations in their efforts to reduce scald injuries. Bottom line, Peg has devoted her professional career to preventing fires, saving lives, and minimizing the severity of associated injuries. Her contributions and leadership regarding fire safety and prevention have been remarkable. She has been recognized with several prestigious national awards from organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Fire Sprinkler Industry Associations and advocates, and several others. Her leadership on the Boards of the NFPA Research Foundation, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Life Safety Section, and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, as well as others, are testaments to her reputation, character and abilities. And to top it off, Peg is a terrific person and friend. Congratulations for your many past achievements and the work you continue to do today!
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Trisha Wolford
Chief Trisha Wolford is the Fire Chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland. She is also the current President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Vice President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs). Tricia
began her career in the Anne Arundel County FD in 2006 as a firefighter. She served as a firefighter/paramedic until being certified as a law enforcement officer in 2012. This resulted in being assigned to the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit where she was promoted to Lieutenant two years later. Her career took another turn in 2015 when she became the Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal in the Bozeman Fire Department in Montana. Trisha then joined the Spokane Fire Department in Washington as Assistant Fire Chief of Operations, and in 2019, she returned to Anne Arundel County as the Fire Chief in the department where she had begun in the fire service. Chief Wolford has an extensive education that includes earning a Master's Degree in Management and Organizational Leadership in 2019 and her MBA in 2022. In her spare time, she also completed the NFA Executive Fire Officer Program and earned CFO and CFM designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Trisha is also a graduate of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). She is an Executive Board Member for the FirstNet Authority and serves on the Maryland State EMS Advisory Council. Chief Tricia Wolford is an inspirational leader who has served with confidence, intelligence, and competence in every fire service-related role she has undertaken. Being prepared to
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serve and lead is part of her mantra, and she consistently leads by that example. Chief Wolford's reputation precedes her in everyday life and when approaching whatever lies before her. She is an active mentor and is exceedingly positive, exuding that positivity in her interactions with those around her in whatever setting she happens to find herself. She and her strengths are contagious in the very best of ways! Congratulations on your great career - and you have so much more ahead of you! You and your friendship are greatly valued and appreciated.
“I have learned so much about the fire service and what an honorable career it is. The women featured were so incredible and are an inspiration to all generations.”
“Thanks for sharing with us all the women who had significantly impacted the fire service in so many positive ways! Kudos to all of them!”
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Shelly Carter
Shelly Carter is the Fire Chief in Hamden, Connecticut. After serving as Assistant Fire Chief in Hamden for a year, she was promoted to Fire Chief in July 2025. Prior to joining the Hamden
Fire Department, Shelly was a member of the Hartford (CT) Fire Department for more than twenty years. She also served as the Operations and Training Manager for the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division within the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Her experience includes serving as the Institutional Fire Chief at the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services Southbury Training School. Chief Carter has a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration, a Master's Degree in Public Administration, and earned an Executive Fire Officer Certification from the Executive Development Institute (EDI). She now has her sights set on obtaining a Doctorate in Critical Infrastructure in Emergency Management. Being "first" in her career is certainly nothing new to Chief Carter, and that has never deterred her from following her dreams and meeting her goals. Whether it be as the first woman (and black woman) to promote to fire officer and/or chief officer positions in Hartford, Southbury, or Hamden, she has consistently achieved with pride, humility, and confidence. And she strives to help others do the same. In 2015, Shelly founded the "Girls Future Firefighter Camp" that offers firefighting, basic EMS, and emergency services training (such as arson investigation) to young women ages 13-18.
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She is well-known as a powerful mentor to men and women as they pursue their own careers in the fire service or other fields. Faith, family, friends, and the fire service are so important in her life. You can't help but be impressed by the enthusiasm, capabilities, and confidence that she brings to every aspect of her life. I couldn't be prouder of her or happier for her. You're a special leader and person, Chief Shelly Carter!
“She was a trail blazer in so many disciplines. Her dedication to mentoring and leadership is truly admirable and has made a lasting impact on the fire service.”
“Thanks to all of you for cutting a lane for those of us who came after you to walk. Personally, I can only hope to make the path that was given before me, a little smoother for the ones after me.”
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Sarah Lee Sarah Lee is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). Prior to the NVFC, Sarah served as Executive Director at the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CAFI). She began her work with the NVFC in 2005, serving as the Deputy CEO for 15 years. Sarah has been
the NVFC's CEO since 2021, and her accomplishments on behalf of the organization throughout her tenure speak volumes about her effectiveness as a leader. The NVFC exists to provide a voice for volunteer fire/EMS and rescue organizations nationwide and represents their needs and interests at the national level with Congress and Federal Agencies. Her education includes a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, and she is a Certified Association Executive. Sarah's love for the volunteer fire service is grounded in her lifetime of experiences and connections. Her father was a volunteer firefighter, and she is married to a volunteer firefighter/EMT. Therefore, her commitment to the health and safety of firefighters, as well as their training, is not only professional, but also a personal one. As the fire service has focused on improving recruitment and retention efforts overall, the NVFC, under the leadership of Sarah Lee, has expanded their membership from about one thousand, to twenty-eight thousand and counting. Her goals are robust and include continuing to expand the membership and retention of volunteer firefighters and enhance their safety, training, and effectiveness. Any discussion of Sarah Lee would not be complete without mentioning what is perhaps her strongest attribute. There are
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many who share my opinion that she is a joy to work with and is among the nicest people you'll encounter in the nation's fire service. It is a pleasure to highlight her with this recognition. Congratulations, Sarah, as you continue your outstanding fire service career.
“I remember looking at some of you in awe as a young firefighter. It’s an honor to know you! Thanks for holding the door open for us.”
“Each woman recognized is an amazing inspiration for all others to follow.”
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Rachael Staebell Rachael Staebell has built a terrific career for the rest of us to admire. She is currently the President of "Women in Fire", a national organization that works to support and empower women in the fire and emergency services. Their vision is to "create a fire service community
where everyone thrives and can contribute their unique perspectives and skills to ensure safety and resilience for all." There is no doubt that such a vision enhances the tradition of institutional unity and improves the effectiveness of members of the fire service. Like many other successful firefighters, Rachael began her career in 2000 as an EMT with a local ambulance company. In 2002, she became the first full-time paid female firefighter in Fountain, Colorado. From Fountain, she moved to the Colorado Springs (CO) Fire Department where she served as a Firefighter/Paramedic and was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. After more than two decades of service in fire departments, she retired to share her passion, experience, and leadership with "Women in Fire" – focusing more on professional development, mentoring, cultural change, PPE, health issues, leadership, and providing overall support for women at all ranks within the fire service. Rachael often uses the phrase, "You can't be what you can't see" to stress the importance of the visibility and representation of women in all aspects of the fire service. This is important in so many ways, including recruiting firefighters, fire officers, and other fire service professionals into myriad positions and opportunities the fire service offers. The concept of "team" is part of her leadership foundation, and from being a
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soccer athlete growing up, she quickly came to believe in and value the team-oriented nature of the fire service. Rachael, along with her fellow members of "Women in Fire", are a positive and healthy partner engaging with many fire service efforts such as the FDIC, "Science to the Station", Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), NFFF, FRCE, the F.I.E.R.O. PPE Symposium, USFA Summits, and others. Rachael has already been part of a lot of solutions in her career and will (no doubt) continue that role in the future. We are fortunate to have her among the leaders the fire service depends on so deeply to succeed. Thank you and keep up the great work!
“They have set standards for leadership that will echo through the fire service for years to come. The profession is better because of their leadership, and their influence will continue to shape the next generations!”
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Lorraine Carli
Lorraine Carli is the Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In that role, she is responsible for media, public affairs, and myriad advocacy activities. She oversees NFPA wildfire, public education, United States/Canada
regional operations divisions, community risk reduction, stakeholder engagement, and the "NFPA Journal" publication. Lorraine initially joined NFPA in 2006 as the Vice President of Communications. In addition to her position at NFPA, she serves on the Board of Directors of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), President of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), and President of the Board of Directors for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Lorraine is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI) Board of Directors. Her generosity is evident by the many ways she shares her extensive leadership, knowledge, and talents. Prior to joining NFPA, Lorraine worked in public relations as a consultant to a variety of diverse industries. Her background includes positions in marketing services, global communications, advertising, and she spent a decade as the Director of Public Affairs for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. Lorraine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts – and she is an adjunct professor at Suffolk University in Boston. To meet Lorraine is a joy, and to work with her, and become friends, are gifts to treasure. She is a very capable person and an incredible public speaker. I have personally had the
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opportunity to listen to her, and learn from her, on many occasions. Lorraine's willingness and ability to connect with people, and her focus on building alliances for the betterment of all, are but two of her capabilities that many admire. She is simply a terrific person! The fire service is better because of the contributions made to public safety by Lorraine Carli, and the world is a safer place as well. Thank you for your service in making life better for so many others!
“Her commitment, dedication, leadership, and support have extended far beyond her own department. She has significantly impacted so many of her colleagues in the fire service throughout the country. Outstanding leadership!”
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Tammy Snow Elizabeth "Tammy" Snow has been the Fire Chief in Wichita, Kansas since 2017. Chief Snow began her career with the Wichita Fire Department in 1988 as a firefighter, and for nearly four decades, she has risen through the ranks of the
organization. Tammy was the first woman to become a Wichita Firefighter and has since demonstrated time and again that she has the commitment, capability, desire, and leadership attributes to overcome challenges and succeed. In addition to providing operational services to the people who live, work, and play in her city, Chief Snow has long been committed to a positive community involvement strategy. This fosters important relationships and provides opportunities for showcasing the fire department and engaging with customers in non-emergency settings. She also serves on community boards to display her dedication to serving the city and keeping the community safe. Chief Snow earned both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in education from Wichita State University, and her affiliation with the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs brought her a critical and unique understanding of the complexities of urban public service. Tammy's involvement with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) have directly impacted firefighters and their families throughout the nation. Her focus there is on myriad firefighter health and safety issues. Chief Snow is also a member of several fire service professional organizations such as the IAFC, Metro Chiefs, and others.
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Chief Snow has become a transformative figure in the firefighting community. I am both sad (for us) and happy (for her) that Tammy recently announced that she is retiring in August 2026. The legacy of professional and personal accomplishments during her career is impressive. It has been a pleasure to meet and get to work with her periodically, and to witness her exceptional talents firsthand. We should all thank Fire Chief Elizabeth "Tammy" Snow for being the incredible person and leader that she is...and we all wish her the best going forward towards whatever her future holds! Appreciate you!
“Amazing role models – and amazing women too!”
“An unbelievable woman, wife, and mother! Her accomplishments are never ending. She has the most balanced, wide-ranging abilities and energy of any person I’ve ever met!”
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Amy Acton Amy Acton is the Chief Executive Officer for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. As a burn survivor and former burn nurse herself, Amy has served the Phoenix Society for more than 20 years, and in doing so, her organization has been a blessing to burn survivors, and the fire
service as well. Amy has dedicated her career to promoting the expansion of burn recovery services and resources for burn survivors and their loved ones. Her leadership in the development and growth of the Phoenix Society has been one of the greatest success stories I've seen in my career. Since 1998, Amy has served as a bridge to the communities of survivors and healthcare professionals alike, ensuring that both communities are seen and heard to help create positive outcomes. Her commitment to bringing the fire service into this equation has connected important dots and made the organizations' efforts more effective overall. Amy's burn injury occurred when she was 18 years old. That experience led to her becoming a burn nurse, and later nurse manager, of the burn unit at Spectrum Health Regional Burn Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became uniquely situated and qualified for her transition to the Phoenix Society where she has worked with her dedicated staff and volunteers to develop and expand national programs to increase long- term recovery resources for burn survivors and their families. Amy has been instrumental in developing the mission of her organization and building strong relationships within the fire service, corporate partners, and hospital burn centers throughout the nation. Amy has served in a diverse set of leadership positions during her career. She was the Chair of the NFPA Board of Directors
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and served on the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Board. She has also served on numerous American Burn Association (ABA) Committees and was the founding co-chair of the Phoenix Society and ABA joint committee on Aftercare and Reintegration (ARC). She works with a variety of major fire service organizations to strengthen connections to information and resources in order to enhance their programs. To appreciate the diversity of Amy's achievements, one can look at the organizations that have selected her to receive some of their most prestigious awards. Just a few of these honors include the NFPA James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal in 2025; the ABA Special Achievement Award in 2022; the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year in 2019; the ABA Curtis P. Artz Distinguished Service Award; and several others. Amy Acton has guided the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors to become integrated into the fabric of the fire service, and she continues to share her humble demeanor, passion, and leadership in ways that simply enhance our performance and effectiveness. I have worked with Amy and the Phoenix Society often over the years and can personally attest to how incredible she and her organization truly are...and how much better they have made the fire service. Thank you for your commitment, persistence, and love for what you do!
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Annette Nance-Holt A glass ceiling was not just cracked, it was shattered, when Annette Nance- Holt was appointed as the Chicago Fire Commissioner in 2021. She became the first woman, and black woman, to lead the Chicago Fire Department in its long history. Commissioner Nance-Holt has served
as a member of the department for more than 35 years. Her career began as a firefighter and she then promoted through the ranks to the positions of Lieutenant-EMT, Captain-EMT, Battalion Chief-EMT, and in 2018, she became the First Deputy Commissioner. Throughout these many years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a contagious passion for service to the city she loves. Commissioner Nance-Holt has noted that while growing up, she never saw a female firefighter, or a firefighter of color, that she could look to as examples and role models for what women could strive to become. While admitting that as a young girl becoming a firefighter was something she didn't think possible for her, she came to believe strongly that Chicago needed a fire department that was a diverse organization mirroring the city it served - in every neighborhood - every day. High on Annette's list of goals has been to show future generations of young black women that they too can achieve anything they have the desire to be in life...including a Chicago Firefighter. As Fire Commissioner, she believes that the department must put the safety of the firefighters, and the safety of the community, first - above all else. With everything that goes on in a large and vibrant organization, those must serve as "true north" for the focus of the department's leaders. That must
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come to life in the policies and procedures that direct the organization's efforts in fire suppression, EMS, rescue, fire prevention, public education, disaster preparedness and response, fire administration, fleet - facilities - and equipment management, and all other facets of the job. Commissioner Nance-Holt is a member of several professional organizations, including the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), which is where I met her. Her formal education includes earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University and a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration/Fire and Emergency Management from Anna Maria College. Outside her work in the fire service, she is the founder of two nonprofit organizations: 1. "Purpose Over Pain" and 2. "Blair Holt Scholarship Foundation." Not only has she achieved what many would have once said were not realistic career goals, her devotion to helping others realize their dreams is admirable indeed. She is a person that girls and young women can look to for motivation and a clear example of what they can become...and she did it on one of the biggest stages the national fire service has to offer. Congratulations to Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt on what has been a terrific career, and more is sure to come in your story!
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Reda Riddle-Bigler Assistant Fire Chief Reda Riddle- Bigler became a member of the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department (PFD) in 2001. Her career trajectory has been amazing to follow as she emerged as a highly engaged and influential leader in an organization that has historically been ripe with leadership talent. In Chief Riddle-
Bigler's current position as a member of the Executive Staff, she is responsible for the areas of Human Resources, the department's Health and Wellness Center, Safety, Member Services, and Fire Prevention. Together, these areas make up an incredibly diverse Division that is not only a significant challenge but takes full advantage of her special capabilities as well. During Reda's 25+ years with the PFD, she has risen through the ranks and excelled in every position she has held. Those include Firefighter, Engineer, Captain Paramedic, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and now, Assistant Fire Chief. As a command officer in field operations, Reda managed a battalion of fire stations and was eventually promoted to Shift Commander. She has also served as the PFD Public Information Officer and was later responsible for recruiting and hiring. Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Reda's education and vast experience in line and staff assignments have prepared her well for her current executive level responsibilities. She also works very effectively within the active PFD labor/management process to guide change and improve the safety, well-being, and effectiveness of the organization.
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I first met Reda years ago when she took a few classes I was teaching in Phoenix. At the time, she was preparing for an upcoming Captain's exam. Her leadership abilities, passion, confidence, and the high level of respect her classmates showed towards her were clear indicators of her upcoming career successes. She gives a lot of herself to mentoring women and men who are interested in entering the fire service, and/or navigating through the fire service careers they've already began. For such a busy person, Reda gives back in so many ways to help others, whether the efforts are related to her career or part of her personal life. In a world ripe with both givers and takers - Reda is in every way a giver. It's not possible to cover all of Chief Reda Riddle-Bigler's experiences, contributions, and career-related activities in this brief overview, but hopefully these highlights help the readers understand what a truly incredible fire service treasure she is. In any organization, there are people who help decide and people who help do - and there are those who consistently excel at doing both. Reda is one who is willing and able to do both (decide and do) in ways that moves the PFD, as well as other departments and individuals, forward towards achieving their goals. Congratulations to Chief Riddle-Bigler on what is a very successful career. You are an incredible person and friend - and you set an excellent example for others.
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Preet Bassi Preet Bassi has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) since 2014. CPSE is a non-profit organization that promotes continuous quality
improvement in the fire and emergency services through accreditation, credentialing, and education. During more than a decade at CPSE, Preet has led the organization to unprecedented levels of growth and impact. While doing so, she attracts some of the best and brightest visionaries and leaders around to serve on the CPSE Board of Directors. Together with Preet, they guide this very important effort to certify, accredit, and sustain the professionalism of fire service organizations and individuals. Bottom line, Preet's work has a direct impact on the effectiveness of the fire service in general and the individuals who are part of it. Prior to her role with CPSE, Preet was the Director of Finance and Administration for the International Accreditation Service, which included managing their Fire & Life Safety and Building Department Accreditation programs. She also has both local and state government experience, having worked for the City of Anaheim, California and the California State Assembly. These experiences provided an excellent springboard for her current roles in the fire service. Preet is literally everywhere and has integrated herself and CPSE into the very fiber of our service. In addition to her role at CPSE, she chairs the NFPA 1022 Technical Committee, which is a standard for fire service analysts. Preet is also the current chair of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) National Advisory Committee (NAC), a group of more than 40 fire service organizations that work together with Congress and Federal Agencies to address
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myriad fire service-related issues at the national level. In addition, she has served as a leader within the American Society of Association Executives' Research Committee. Her educational background includes dual Bachelor's Degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of California Davis, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. She is a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives, was part of an inaugural cohort for the University of Pennsylvania's Executive Program in Social Innovation Design, and in 2020, completed Cornell's Diversity and Inclusion eCertificate Program. The entire fire and emergency services community benefits significantly from the talents, knowledge, experiences, and leadership of Preet Bassi. When I first met her, which was shortly after she was hired at CPSE in 2014, there was no doubt in my mind that she would excel in the fire service and add value to everything she touched along the way. Preet is a wonderful person who is universally appreciated and respected. If you're part of a fire department that has been CPSE accredited, or an individual who has achieved a CPSE credential, then you have been directly impacted by Preet. We got lucky when she found us and committed to becoming part of what makes working in the fire service such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Thank you, my friend, and please keep improving the professionalism of the fire service and making us all better.
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Kathy Bossman Kathy Bossman has served as the Fire Chief in Omaha, Nebraska since 2023. She began her career in the Omaha Fire Department (OFD) in 1997 as a firefighter/paramedic and promoted through the ranks to her current position. Kathy has held the ranks of Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief, giving her significant experience in all areas of the organization. As is often the case, Chief Bossman is the first woman to serve as her city's fire chief. In doing so, she has become living proof to young girls and women that a career in the OFD is not only possible but also rewarding and offers opportunities to achieve many goals in a person's life. There's no limit to what can be achieved through strong character, experience, education, and the willingness to prepare and compete in hiring and promotional processes. Chief Bossman has an extensive and diverse educational background earning an Associate of Science in Fire Science from Southeast Community College, and her Paramedic Certification from Creighton University. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership with Concentration in Fire/Rescue Executive Leadership from Waldorf University. Kathy is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), and other professional organizations/associations. She has served on the Creighton University EMS Advisory Board, the Nebraska Medicine Community Advisory Board for Psychiatric Emergency Services, and with other important groups such as the Trauma Matters Omaha Committee, Wellbeing Partners
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Board of Directors, the Zero Executive Committee, and the Omaha Mayor's Homelessness Task Force. To say the obvious out loud, Kathy Bossman is driven to serve and actively engaged in the fire service, her department, and her community. As Fire Chief, she is committed to providing exceptional service to her city and creating a work environment within the fire department that is a positive, productive, and healthy place to work that values inclusiveness and equal opportunities for success. Throughout her career, she has been receptive to mentorship and realizes the role that it plays in the success of members of the OFD...and thus, the safety of the people of Omaha. Kathy has said that “she is thankful that she can serve as a fire service professional and begins every day with a heart filled with gratitude and the desire to make positive changes wherever she can.” That's an incredible mindset with which to start your day and translates directly into the motivated and successful fire service leader that she is. Thanks for all you do and the example you set for many others.
“Not only are they great leaders and pioneers for women in the fire service, but they are amazing human beings as well!”
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Molly Williams It is important and appropriate to acknowledge the person who is historically recognized as the nation's first woman firefighter. Her name was Molly Williams, and to learn about her, we need
to travel back in time to the 1800's in New York City. Although it is widely accepted that she was the first woman in the United States to serve as a firefighter, it is important to note that the decision to do so was not Hers’ alone. You see, Molly was a black woman, and she was also a slave. Her master/owner was a wealthy man named Benjamin Aymar, who was a member of the city's volunteer fire department. He was part of the Oceanus Engine Company 11 located in Lower Manhattan, and he would regularly take Molly along when he went to the firehouse. While at the station, Molly was expected to clean the firehouse, cook meals, and maintain the heavy water pump as well. Over time, she became very interested in this critical piece of equipment and decided to learn how it functioned and how to operate it. The water pump was so heavy that it typically took several men to pull it through the streets of New York when responding to a fire. According to the documented story of Molly Williams, she was responsible for taking care of Aymar's eight children at his residence, as well as her additional duties of caring for the men at the firehouse. One day, in 1818, while Molly Williams was at the firehouse with Aymar, several of the firefighters had become very ill and were bedridden with what was a deadly flu. Suddenly, the alarm sounded, but the firefighters (all men) were too sick to respond to the fire. Molly decided to respond to the scene alone, pulling the water pumper along with her. It's important to remember that this was a heavy hand-pulled water pumper, but while still wearing
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her apron and dress, she was able to get the water pumper to the scene of the fire and operate it. When the firefighters heard what she had done, the members of Oceanus Engine Company 11 were so impressed and grateful that they appointed Molly as an unofficial member of the company. She was called "Volunteer 11” and was said to
be as strong and capable as any of the male members. Interestingly, it wasn't long after this incident that the fire company started using horses to pull the pumper. There is a children's book about Molly titled, "Molly by Golly - the Legend of America's First Female Firefighter."
It's hard to write about women who have made a mark on the fire service without telling Molly's story. In some ways, it can be inspiring, while in another way, it puts on display an awful part of our nation's history. Although her first response to a fire came to pass by chance while she was a slave, it resulted in Molly becoming the first woman member of Oceanus Engine Company 11 - and being widely recognized as the first woman firefighter in the nation. So today, this is a tribute to "Volunteer 11" and her place in fire service history - the incredible story of Molly Williams!
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Michaela Campbell Michaela Campbell is the Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). Michaela took the reins of the CFSI in January of 2026, but she is not new to the organization, politics, or the fire service. As the CFSI Executive Director, she leads the
organization's mission to advance federal policies and funding in support of the nation's fire and emergency services. Her work includes overseeing the strategic direction of the CFSI, conducting advocacy efforts, engagement with members of Congress and Federal Agencies, collaboration with national fire service organizations, and working with the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. She reports directly to the CFSI Board of Directors and works very closely with the CFSI National Advisory Committee (NAC) on a regular basis to set priorities and work cooperatively to ensure the success of the organization's collective efforts. Before being selected as the CFSI Executive Director, Michaela served for several years as their Director of Government Affairs, where she led the organization's federal advocacy portfolio and built strong relationships on Capitol Hill to promote fire service priorities. Her success in that role was essential to positive fire service outcomes, requiring her to work closely with the Government Affairs Directors from the major fire service organizations and associations. Michaela has also spent countless hours and days attending whatever meetings, summits, conferences, and other events to contribute to the cause and build positive and essential relationships within the diverse fire service community. Before her position at CFSI, Michaela worked at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP as a Legislative Assistant. In that role
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she advised clients on legislative and regulatory strategies involving trade, tax, energy, labor, and environmental issues. Prior to that, she worked in the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins, where she helped in the Senator's efforts to support firefighter-related programs at the federal level. This work included funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Programs (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants, as well as many other fire service and homeland security related efforts. Michaela is also a proud graduate of Brown University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Having had the opportunity to work with Michaela often over the years, I can say with certainty that she consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to public service and effective advocacy. She brings strong leadership and legislative expertise to the table in her efforts to advance the CFSI's mission and elevate the voice of the fire service in our nation’s Capitol. In addition to all of that, she is really a wonderful person and friend. Getting to know her, and witness firsthand her approach to leading, getting things done, and strengthening relationships along the way, has made me very confident in her abilities as a fire service leader. Thanks to Michaela for all she has already done on behalf of the fire service and for what she is sure to accomplish in the future! Keep Going!
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Mary Cameli
Mary Cameli is the Fire Chief in the Mesa (AZ) Fire and Medical Department. Mary came to Arizona with the goal of becoming a schoolteacher, but in 1983, she had a change of heart and became one of the first two women hired as firefighters in the City of Mesa. The city has grown quickly and
significantly during her career and is now home to more than 500,000 residents. Chief Cameli has risen through the ranks of the organization serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Captain/Paramedic, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and spent eleven years as Mesa's Assistant Fire Chief. She has been the Fire Chief since 2016 and recently announced that she will retire at the end of 2026. Mary has made such a mark in her Department in Mesa, as well as at the city, state, and national levels. In addition to serving as Fire Chief in Mesa, Mary currently chairs the Executive Board of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), and has served as President of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), President of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA), Chair of the Child Crisis Arizona Board, President of Mesa Sunrise Rotary, President of the Community Bridges Board, and is active with a number of other service and leadership endeavors, both professional and personal. She has been recognized with the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) Fire Chief of the Year Award and was selected as the Mesa Woman of the Year in 2020. She has also received many other prestigious awards and recognitions. Chief Cameli earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Organizational Management.
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She has received the CPSE Chief Fire Officer (CFO) credential, and her Certified Public Manager certification from Arizona State University. And if I could, I would bestow upon her a PhD in kindness, interpersonal skills, humility, and humanity. She is among the most wonderful people I have had the opportunity to know in my career - and in my life. The attention she pays to all of those around her, and the sincere interest she displays towards their overall wellbeing, are nothing short of amazing. Bottom line, Fire Chief Mary Cameli is the consummate fire service professional and human being and has been very successful in both her career and her personal life. She has a terrific husband and family, such an interesting upbringing in Chicago, fantastic sense of humor, and to top it off, Mary is an example of consistently strong leadership, involvement, and success that sets the bar so high that it can get lost in the clouds. She never talks about her accomplishments and actually blushes when someone brings them up in a public setting. The fire service is blessed that Chief Cameli changed from her career in education, and instead, became a firefighter. She has given so much of herself to her family, community, and profession...and if you know her as a friend, you are among the many fortunate enough to do so. She is special!
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Barbara Tripp
Barbara Tripp is the Fire Chief in Tampa, Florida. Chief Tripp became a member of the Tampa Fire Rescue Department in 1997. Prior to that, she served with the Hillsborough County (FL) Fire Department for three years. Barbara's journey to the fire service is interesting and unique.
In 1984, she went from high school to the University of South Florida to pursue a career in computer engineering. Later, Barbara enlisted in the United States Navy. Upon completion of her military service and receiving an Honorable Discharge, she returned to Florida and enrolled in Hillsborough Community College where she completed the fire academy and received her certification as a firefighter. During her more than thirty years in the fire service, Barbara has held the positions of Firefighter, Paramedic, Paramedic Training Field Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief, Quality Assurance Officer, Rescue Division Supervisor, and Rescue Division Chief. Being a firefighter allowed her to pursue other related interests and ways to improve the quality of service she and her department provided to the people who lived, worked, and visited the City of Tampa. In doing so, Chief Tripp became a Registered Nurse (RN) and worked as an Emergency Room Nurse at a Level 1 Trauma Center, and later in Ambulatory Services. In fact, she received "Nurse of the Year" honors in both 2006 and 2008. She has a passion for service excellence and a longstanding desire to be of service to others in their times of need. Her experience in the medical field has allowed her to develop and implement positive changes for Tampa Fire Rescue such as enhancements in hands-on training,
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improvements in equipment and technology, and the ability to be resilient in any situation. Chief Tripp's educational achievements include earning her EMT certification, Paramedic certification, an Associate of Arts Degree, an Associate of Science in Emergency Management, an Associate of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She has served as a member of the Tampa Fire Rescue Honor Guard, the Urban Search and Rescue Team, Hazardous Materials Technician, and the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Barbara has been involved with the Emergency Planning Committee for Hillsborough County, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the Emergency Medical Service for Children endeavors. Chief Tripp is a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Fire Service Executive Development International (EDI), and serves on several local boards and advisory committees in the Tampa Bay Area. It's obvious that Fire Chief Barbara Tripp has dedicated herself to serving others in myriad ways throughout her life. This includes raising her children and experiencing the joy of being a grandmother. She is a highly respected and admired fire and medical professional and demonstrates daily what desire, ability, education, high performance, and building positive relationships can do for one's success, as well as the success of her department. It is a pleasure to recognize Barbara for the incredible person and leader that she is and thank her for engaging in a life of service to others! The fire service continues to reap the benefits of her contributions!
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Teresa Ann Crisman Teresa Ann Crisman is the Director of Public Affairs - Community Risk Reduction for the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. Prior to that, she was the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department in Maryland. She has devoted her life's
work to the fire service and is well known and respected for her leadership and efforts in all aspects of Fire and Life Safety Education and community involvement. Throughout her career, Teresa has been engaged in numerous fire safety education programs at the local, state, and national levels. Teresa has also been a member of the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, as well as the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and has served as a certified Fire Inspector. She has set a positive example for others to follow with for her knowledge, leadership abilities, enthusiasm, and her belief that collaboration with other organizations is key to getting lifesaving information, tools, and skills into the hands and heads of the public. Teresa has been a strong advocate for having working smoke alarms and home fire sprinkler systems in order to save lives in residences. During her career, she has worked closely with the Maryland State Fireman's Association (MSFA), Safe Kids Coalitions, the Stop, Drop, and Roll Program, the Risk Watch Injury Prevention Program, and has been active in several Community Risk Reduction Programs. All of this to protect the public from the effects of fire and other life altering injuries. Teresa's incredible work has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Just a few of these include the Maryland State Fire Marshal's "Life Safety Educator of the Year" in 2012,
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the "EMS for Children Award", and the 2025 National Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education presented by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA)/FPP/OSU. The Anne Phillips Award recognizes individuals for outstanding lifetime achievements at the national level in fire and life safety education and was presented at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. Anyone who has had the opportunity to interact with Teresa Ann Crisman has come away from that experience as a better fire service professional. She has a laser focus on preventing bad things from happening to people within the entire spectrum of fire safety and injury prevention. It's impossible to count the number of lives she has saved, and injuries she has prevented, during her career. However, it's not just a coincidence that since the 1970s, civilian fire deaths and injuries in the U.S. have been reduced significantly. Fire prevention and education efforts are sure to have played a critical role in that accomplishment. Congratulations to Teresa for all that she has accomplished in a career that is continuing to this day. Thank you for sharing your abilities and passion to make the nation a safer place for all of us to live, work, and play! You're among the Very Best, my friend!
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