Author: Judy Barlow, Citizen Journalist     

     In the old days women ‘kept the home fires burning’ while men folk went off to hunt, or work, or war. Today some women are just as likely to be keeping the home fires from burning.

     These women are firefighters; they’re a pretty rare breed.

     Captain Stacy Lee, Sidney’s only female firefighter, doesn’t think she’s so special. “All the guys have to work hard to get to a certain level of expertise – not just me. Once I put on the gear, you can’t tell the difference between me and the rest of the guys. And,” Stacy adds, “Nobody knows when I’m coming out of a fire that I’m a girl until the helmet comes off.”

     Being a woman and a firefighter requires a certain state of mind. In the heat of the moment you can’t go all girly and ask a big strong boy to help you. Stacy has to work hard – and smart – to get the job done. She carries tools in her pockets, like webbing for dragging and lifting, or that great equalizer – a wrench.

     Stacy explains, “Women have to be able to adapt. When a wall has to be demolished for a rescue route, the guys can punch right through it; with my fists I can only dent it.” But she can kick it in. During training Stacy challenges herself to pick the biggest guy to ‘rescue’. One day she might have to carry a 275 pound man down a 35 foot ladder in full turnout gear. She might not look elegant, but she gets the job done. 

     After ten years on the job, fire is in her blood. But it’s not all about fires. Stacy loves the challenge; the physical fitness; the charity work, supporting Cops for Cancer and Muscular Dystrophy. And of course, the socialising.

     The department is very family-oriented because, as Stacy observes, “It’s not just firefighters who sign up. It’s families. They make all the sacrifices while we experience the fun and excitement and camaraderie. There are parties and wife appreciation dinners and we do lots of stuff with the kids. We’re grateful to the wives. We wouldn’t have firefighters without their support.”

     The firefighters are not just a team – they’re a family, on and off the job. They build real connections and develop deep feelings that are hard to put into words. “These guys are my brothers,” says Stacy. “I trust them with my life. I was very young when I joined. I grew up here. I was very shy and these guys helped me to become who I am.”

      Stacy admits that for some people fear of fire could be an obstacle. “Not many people want to go into a hot smoky flame-filled room. But we learn the science of fire and the way fire behaves. With the training and equipment and the gear we wear, we might feel heat, but it’s just a job. It becomes second nature, almost like a sport. You get in there crawling around on the floor and squirt some water. It’s like a game. It’s different from the old days. We step back and assess it; make sure we have a game plan. We work as a team. We’re not the cowboys anymore. We go home at the end of the day.”

     “Women don’t have to go into the fires,” says Stacy. “You don’t have to prove anything. You passed the test. You’re part of the team. There are lots of other jobs to do at a fire. You just have to be willing; to try; to adapt; to take a risk. You’ve already proven yourself. Just be willing to go in and do what you have to do.”

     For women considering volunteering as a firefighter, Stacy has this to say. “Try it. It’s rewarding.  You’ll surprise yourself. It’s not just physical. It’s mental. You’ll feel pride because you’re helping the community. You’re serving as a role model to everyone out there, especially young girls. There’s no pressure at the Thursday night practices. If you don’t get it the first time we’ll help you until you get it. If you’re not mechanical, we’ll help you to get mechanical. If you’re not confident, we’ll help you get out of your shyness. We give you the skills you need and then help you figure out how to adapt them for you.”

     To check out volunteering at the Fire Department in Sidney email [email protected] or call 250 656-2121 today. Tell them Stacy sent you.