To Be A Female Firefighter: Investigating Talent Acquisition and Retention Issues in US Fire Services

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of females within the US fire service to improve the understanding of distinctive gender-bias challenges faced on a regular basis and propose a framework to improve recruitment and retention efforts. Firefighting is commonly known as a non-traditional profession for women and is ranked as the lowest protective service occupation when it comes to career and volunteer female representation. An exploratory approach to the study has been employed to unveil the various barriers hindering women’s recruitment and retention within the US fire service context. Through structured interviews, we explored the perspectives of female firefighters in various ranks. A total of fourteen participants have voluntarily engaged in interviews that lasted between 60 to 90 minutes. Findings from our study revealed five themes: 1) microaggressive behavior, 2) sexual harassment, 3) lack of role models, 4) the family penalty and pressure, and 5) organizational support. The study offers valuable insights on the barriers females face in the US fire service. We offer a series of recommendations for leaders and decision makers to implement strategies and policies to address these barriers in hopes of improving the overall female representation.