As the world observes International Women’s Day, the Guyana Fire Service this morning conducted a special fire drill, which consisted of an all female group of firefighters displaying their technique and strength.
The fire drill served part of the fire service’s recognition and celebration of its female firefighters who, just like their male counterparts, are often called to the scene of fires and other rescue missions.
According to Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, 24% of the fire department’s firefighters are women who are most times on the scene of fires alongside their male colleagues. The Fire Chief noted that over the years, the fire service has received a number of applications from women who have all made an impactful contribution to the fire service.
But while the fire service continued to recruit more persons, Wickham encouraged more women to take the opportunity of joining the fire service. “We are creating that opportunity for our females, for our women to feel comfortable that they can work and perform as equally as our males have done over the years,” Wickham said.
The Fire Chief added that out of the 78 recruits currently in training, 14 are women. He noted that this number has seen a notable increase over the years. He expressed hope that more women will join the force in the years to come.
Meanwhile, Sub-Officer Dianne Gill told reporters that while more women are now in the fire service, it is not an atmosphere of competition, but rather a learning experience, as the force still remains a male dominated one. She encouraged more women to join the fire service too.
“Being a firefighter is a noble profession, taking into consideration that it’s mostly males and some of the equipment the women cannot handle but once you come in knowing that it’s a male-dominated environment, you just have to work hand in hand with them and try as much as possible to learn,” Gill said.
