It’s no secret that the fire service remains a male-dominated industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 95 percent of firefighters are men. Fire departments that lack gender diversity miss out on valuable talent.
How can fire leaders overcome long-standing challenges to attract, retain, and advance women in the fire service? What steps can they take to break barriers and foster a culture of inclusivity?
Join us for a special three-part webinar series for Women’s History Month, featuring first-hand experiences and actionable insights from women in the fire service. During this series, we’ll explore topics around recruitment, training, and career advancement specifically for women in the industry.
Sign up once to register for all three sessions! You'll receive a confirmation email for each session containing the respective join links.
In honor women in the fire service and to inspire the next generation of female firefighters, we will give away one Triple F plush doll each session to a randomly selected attendee. Attend all three sessions to increase your chances of winning!
Common misconceptions and barriers for women entering the fire service.
Experiences and observations around the recruitment process.
Outreach strategies to attract more women to the fire service.
Best practices for creating an inclusive company culture where women can thrive.
Kasey Manning
Firefighter II, Nashville Fire Department
Kasey Manning has served as a Firefighter with the Nashville Fire Department for four years. As an IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer and CrossFit L2 trainer, Kasey has worked with female fire recruits to prepare them for success in the academy and to provide updated fitness equipment in the fire stations. Kasey competes in the TFT Firefighter Challenge Championship Series and appeared in the 2024 World Championships.
Heather Zimmerman
Executive Director: TN Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission
Heather Zimmerman has dedicated over 20 years to civil service, beginning her journey as a volunteer firefighter at just 17. After graduating from high school, she spent 7 years as an EMT/Paramedic with Rutherford County EMS. In 2012, she joined the Nashville Fire Department as a Paramedic Firefighter, where she served for 12 years. During her tenure, she advanced through the ranks to Engineer and then Captain, also serving as the Training Officer for Nashville Fire for 2 years. In the summer of 2024, she was appointed Executive Director of the Tennessee State Fire Commission. Heather is also a mother of three young children and has been married for 19 years to her husband, Luke Zimmerman, who is also a firefighter.
Tactical training challenges and adjustment recommendations for women.
The importance of a supportive network and access to female-focused resources.
Addressing the need for gear that’s designed to fit female bodies.
Lt. Tina Guiler
Lieutenant at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, CEO and Owner of Triple F-Fierce Female Firefighters, Founder of Triple F Foundation
Tina Guiler was hired as a firefighter by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, in Miami, FL, in 1999. In 2003, she achieved her pumper driver certification and became a paramedic. Guiler was promoted to lieutenant in 2004. She worked on trucks for 18 years and then bid into the fire prevention division in 2017 as a fire inspector for new construction. She also is part of the department’s peer support team. In 2015, she started Triple F (Fierce Female Firefighters) company. In 2018, Guiler was diagnosed with breast cancer that resulted from her firefighting duties. After going through chemotherapy, surgeries and radiation treatments, she now is cancer free." In 2020 she started a 501c3 non-profit charity called the Triple F Foundation, which helps firefighter injured in the line duty. She created a line of female firefighter plush dolls to inspire and empower young girls to show them they can be anything, even a firefighter.
The impact of the glass ceiling in the fire service on female advancement.
The importance of mentorship and leadership training programs and resources.
Driving progress by fostering inclusiveness and diversity in leadership.
Chief Tiffany Green
Fire Chief, Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department
Tiffany D. Green is a devoted wife, mother and resident of Prince George’s County. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Living a life of service brings her ultimate joy. As a 28-year veteran of the Fire Service, Chief Green holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety and a Master’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. In March 1999, she became a career firefighter with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department after serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Oxon Hill Volunteer Fire Department. On February 4, 2020, she became Prince George’s County’s thirteenth Fire Chief and the first woman appointed to this position. Prior to this historic appointment, she served as the Chief Deputy. In her capacity as the Chief Deputy, she was responsible for the Administrative Services Command. Under this command, she managed the agency’s Human Resources, Fiscal Affairs, Information Management, Risk Management and the Office of Service Excellence, Accreditation & Research. During her tenure, Fire Chief Green also served as the Director of the Fire/EMS Training and Leadership Academy where her primary obligation was to provide training and career development for over 900 sworn personnel and approximately 1,000 volunteer members of the department. She also managed the High School Fire Science (Cadet) Program, designed for high school students who are interested in working in the Fire Services profession. Prior to her Command Staff experience, Chief Green served in a wide array of agency roles: Fire Fighter, Paramedic, Station Commander, Battalion Chief, Executive Assistant to the Public Safety Director, Chief of Staff for the Director of Homeland Security, Special Events Coordinator and Stadium Commander for FedEx Field. To her success, Chief Green strongly credits hard work, preparation and commitment. Under her leadership, the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department operates as “One County, One Department, with One Mission...The Mission to Serve.” She is most sought after in the areas of project management, community partnerships and emergency preparedness
Heather Zimmerman
Executive Director: TN Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission
Heather Zimmerman has dedicated over 20 years to civil service, beginning her journey as a volunteer firefighter at just 17. After graduating from high school, she spent 7 years as an EMT/Paramedic with Rutherford County EMS. In 2012, she joined the Nashville Fire Department as a Paramedic Firefighter, where she served for 12 years. During her tenure, she advanced through the ranks to Engineer and then Captain, also serving as the Training Officer for Nashville Fire for 2 years. In the summer of 2024, she was appointed Executive Director of the Tennessee State Fire Commission. Heather is also a mother of three young children and has been married for 19 years to her husband, Luke Zimmerman, who is also a firefighter.