The Glendale and Pasadena fire departments have teamed up for a two-day women’s fire academy program.
The academy is designed to introduce women to careers in firefighting and emergency medical services. It features hands-on training, mentorship opportunities and a behind-the-scenes look at the physical and technical skills essential to the fire service.
Pasadena Fire Department Captain Jodi Slicker told KTLA on Sunday morning that the initiative looks to uplift and empower women to serve the community as first responders, no matter the experience level.
“We train every day…whether it’s your first day on the job or [you’ve been working] for 30 years,” Cpt. Slicker said. “It’s continually training [as a team] and trusting in one another together.”
Saturday served as an introduction to many aspects of the job such as the water hose, ventilation and power equipment, Cpt. Slicker said, and Sunday’s itinerary for the academy members included putting that knowledge to use.
While this year marks the third iteration of Pasadena’s women’s fire academy program, it is the first time they teamed up with the Glendale Fire Department for the initiative.
