In honour of International Women’s Day, the BCPPFA is celebrating women in the fire service by sharing their stories. Today we hear from Sheila Kirkwood, the first female career firefighter in British Columbia who served Whistler Fire Fighters for 29 years, making her one of Whistler’s longest-serving fire fighters.
What is the message you want to share with the next generation of female fire fighters?
You don’t have to be one of the boys to fit in on the job. It’s been my experience that the most effective teams include ideas from a wide perspective and life experience. In the end we just want to serve our communities in the best way we can.
What is a highlight of your career?
Thanks to a rapidly growing fire department I had the opportunity during my 30 year career to work my way through the ranks, from frontline firefighter, shift Captain, Rescue coordinator, Chief Training Officer to the top spot as Fire Chief. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games was a highlight both personally and professionally in the role of Emergency Program Coordinator for the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Sheila Kirkwood
Can you describe a challenge in your career and how you overcame it?
Early on I was well supported in my career internally but it never failed that if I was on training courses in the Lower-mainland or BC I would have to do a lot of reassuring that I was actually a frontline fire fighter. It was assumed I must work in dispatch or inspections. It was pretty much guaranteed that I was going to be singled out in class to answer questions or perform a demonstration. My way of dealing with it was to do my homework, pay attention, and be ready. I think that served me well throughout my career and gave me the opportunity to be apart of award winning Auto Extrication Competition teams. It also stressed the importance of creating supportive training environments where teams can have fun, get creative, make some mistakes and learn. The training ground is where to test someone’s mettle.
What is your message for International Women’s Day?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of talented female firefighters over my career and made some lifelong friendships. I’m heartened by how many women are choosing the fire service as a rewarding career. We are rising through the ranks, affecting change and there is no question that we belong.
