All-female fire crew serves in Gresham
Battalion Chief of Gresham Fire Jason McGowan said he wants their department to lead the charge in hiring more women firefighters in a male-dominated industry.
Author: Kayla Heffner, Cory Long (KGW Photojournalist)
Published: 11:25 AM PST December 19, 2020
Updated: 11:27 AM PST December 19, 2020
GRESHAM, Ore. — Gresham Fire can't say it's the first all-female crew, but it's not common and this time it happened by chance.
On Thursday morning, three women were assigned to work on an engine with Gresham Fire for a 24-hour shift.
Battalion Fire Chief of Gresham fire Jason McGowan said it's a rare occurrence in the department because only five women are firefighters compared to roughly 70-75 men who are firefighters. McGowan estimated his department is 90% predominantly male.