LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock Fire Rescue is hoping to grow its department and connection within the community.<\/p>\n
The department launched its \u201cEmber to Inferno Program\u201d earlier this month, designed for women who might consider becoming a firefighter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen an uptick in the amount of females who have expressed interest in joining fire,\u201d Captain Brandi Speiser said. \u201cWe came up with this program to see if there are more women who might not have considered this opportunity or profession.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speiser says Lubbock Fire Rescue only has eight female firefighters so far, which is on the low end compared to the national average.<\/p>\n
She says the women they do have, though, bring work ethic, grit, and resilience to work. That\u2019s the kind of attitude this program is hoping to foster.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want you to work out, we want you to challenge yourself and have a good time, and build camaraderie and teamwork,\u201d Speiser said.<\/p>\n
The three-hour class consists of a workout, a fire-related challenge or activity, and an information session with a Q&A.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to present to you some of the things we do on the job and the skills you\u2019ll need to learn if you decide to pursue a career with the fire department,\u201d Speiser said.<\/p>\n
The class isn\u2019t a shortcut for hiring, though. It\u2019s a chance to kindle an ember of existing interest and provide a network with other women who are also interested in LFR.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think building a community and a network amongst ourselves is so important, especially with the environment and the mental health that we have to deal with as first responders,\u201d Speiser said. \u201cHaving other women to lean on is just incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n