Young Women Introduced To Fire Service Career Through Women’s Empowerment Camp

MODESTO – Women make up only 9% of the fire service, but an event held in partnership between the Modesto Fire Department and Modesto Junior College hopes to change that by introducing young women to a potential career in the fire service.

From medical response to firefighting, ventilation, and forcible entry techniques, young women between the ages of 14 and 21 were given the experience of what it takes to do the job.

The job of a firefighter, a fire woman.

The statistics are very clear in the City of Modesto, there is only one woman serving in the fire department as a firefighter.

That firefighter, Elizabeth Mullis, was very motivated to organize this event with the help of coworkers and colleagues, including other women firefighters from around the state.

“Today’s event is about empowering and encouraging, and bringing in the horizon of the next generation of young women,” Mullis said. “And it’s been so cool to see a girl take on the day.”

The idea first came as an interest Modesto Junior College had in bringing more women into the fire service.

“Modesto Junior College was looking at how to bring young women into their academy, and they mentioned it to one of our chiefs,” Mullis explained. “Our Chief said ‘You know what? I actually think I know somebody that might have an idea on how they can do that,’ and so I have traveled all over California to other Women’s Empowerment Camps.”

She was the clear choice to help organize the event.

“So they asked me if I would be interested in helping put it together, and here we are today.”

The young women participating in the event returned the encouragement by sharing their strength and determination, inspiring each other to challenge themselves at the event.

“I am just so encouraged on how the amount of conversations I’ve had today of young ladies that are interested in the fire service. So it’s super cool to see for me,” said Mullis.

Balancing her passion for firefighting with her deep commitment to raising her two children, Mullis embodies the strength and dedication that fuels both her heroic efforts and nurturing spirit.

“I am a mom of two incredible little boys, and it’s so cool to have a dream of what it would be one day and see how it would come together. And they think mom is super cool getting to ride on Engine Six.”

With the Women’s Empowerment Camp being the first for the Modesto Fire Department, making it an annual event is now part of the plan.