I n late October, Jefferson City played host to the second gathering of women firefighters as the newly formed Missouri Women of Fire (MO WoF) partnered with the Division of Fire Safety to host the first annual Missouri Women of Fire Leadership Conference. This conference marked the official launch of the organization by offering classes designed to meet the needs of women firefighters. The goal was to not only offer another networking opportunity for firefighters across the state but also to provide insight and training from firefighters of various ranks. Classes ranged from personal development with presentations about the impact of decision-making and managing triggers and conflict to an inside look into the volunteer fire service and the unique struggles associated with juggling work, family, and volunteering. The health impact of firefighting was also discussed as women face challenges associated with cancer, reproductive health, and psychological safety. The day was capped off with a history of women firefighters in the State of Missouri, before finishing with valuable time to network and discuss hot topics.
Over 60 participants attended the conference representing 35 career, volunteer, and combination departments across the state. Many attendees were returning from last year’s symposium while others were joining for the first time and experience ranged from new probationary firefighters to almost 40 years of service. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean has thrown the support of the Division of Fire Safety behind the organization and expressed his excitement about the growth of the group over the last year.
The original impetus for the conference was the May 2022 gathering of women firefighters organized by the Division of Fire Safety. This gathering was an attempt to understand and address the needs of women firefighters in Missouri. Since then, with the active support of Chief Bean, a small group of women has been laying the foundation of a new organization, Missouri Women of Fire. The conference officially announced the creation of the professional organization. The grassroots nature places a premium on the commitment to providing a professional networking system that focuses on education, mentorship, and mastery of the fire service. In addition to meeting regularly, the organization plans to offer formalized mentoring opportunities, training partnerships with departments, promotional development support, and continued leadership conferences.
Currently, the Board of Directors represents career, volunteer, and combination departments from the east and west sides of the state with ranks ranging from firefighter to Captain to Fire Chief. While the current Board is comprised of all fire service members, the goal of both the Board and the organization is to expand into the profession of emergency medical services (EMS). Missouri is comprised of 72% non-fire-based EMS organizations, and women in these organizations face many of the same stressors, professional challenges, and support deficits as the fire service. Encompassing both fire and EMS will allow MO WoF to meet and support the needs of women first responders in Missouri positively impacting their career and ability to serve their communities.
All firefighters and EMS providers in the state of Missouri are encouraged to join MO WoF, regardless of gender, rank, or employment status. While the central goal of the organization is to provide support and resources for women, men provide essential allyship, support, resources, and experience. Additionally, retirees are especially welcomed as current first responders can benefit from valuable lived experiences. If you’re interested in joining, please find us on Facebook (Missouri Women of Fire) or email us at missouriwomenoffire@gmail.com.
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