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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