Breaking Barriers: First Women Firefighters

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Tampa Bay News today. In honor of Women's History Month, two former firefighters from the Bay Area are being recognized as trailblazes for women in the field. Jenny Hayes became the first woman hired by the Lakewyn Fire Department back in the 1980s. Betty Coleman made history as the first black female firefighter at Tampa Fire Rescue in 1981. Fire Department's nationwide were pushing to recruit more women and minorities during that era. Hayes served for three years before stepping away due to pregnancy. She proved her strength on the job, showing she could handle rescues just as well as anyone. Both women embraced the opportunity to break barriers. Hayes focused on demonstrating her capabilities while Coleman advanced from firefighter to fire inspector before retiring. Their determination inspired those who followed. Today, the number of female career firefighters has grown to 15,000 nationwide. Coleman's path opened doors in Tampa.

1:00With the department now has its first black female fire chief, that chief, Barbara Trip, credits Coleman directly for showing it was possible. Their legacies continue to encourage the next generation in fire service. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, See the episode description. Some chase piece. I put my head in it. So L.I. Soleypillow.com. SOT. So L.I. SOT. Soleypillow.com. So L.I. SoleyPillow.com. SOT. SOT. L.I. SOT.