By Ff. Carol Boxill Gaston

History was made in Trinidad and Tobago, when on Dec.1st 1992, thirty (30) women were enlisted among the ranks of recruits accepted for training to become Firefighters.

This determined and resilient group sought to lay the foundation for future intakes of female officers, while dealing with the prejudice and uncertainty which greeted their entry into a previously unsailed male environment.

They matched their male counterparts at every stride throughout the seven months of rigorous training, The pressures of the training programme was made even more demanding through the insistence of the Fire Service that only the very highest levels of performance would be acceptable from their pioneers.

It was with tremendous pride and some surprise, therefore, that the entire contingent of women was adjudged to be successful at every facet of Fire Service Training, and thereafter assumed their rightful position alongside their counterparts on the mission to save lives and property.

Despite the proven ability of the female firefighters to cope with operational requirements of the profession, there is still a cognitive barrier, which has not allowed the male majority to offer complete and unconditional acceptance of the women. The process of integrating women into the service continues. The pioneers of 1992 have opened the door for others. For what started out with thirty (30) is now is one hundred and two (102) passed out firefighters, with a similar number of women enlisted in the Auxiliary unit of the Fire Service.

Slowly, painstakingly and ever steadfastly the women of the Trinidad And Tobago Fire Service are eroding the myth and long held misconception that women are inadequate to perform the duties associated with this traditionally 'male profession'. Each time the fire bells are sounded, they mount appliances, not harboring concerns of the dangers that might lie ahead but prepare mentally for the task, focusing on the lives and properties to be saved. For when others might be running away these brave women could be seen donned in boots and helmets with specialized equipment, entering buildings that are engulfed by fire, along with her male counterpart.

The stoicism and strength of these women persists even after the death of one of the pioneers, firefighter Michelle Ramsaroop, whose young life was snuffed out on 17th September 1995 while selflessly attempting to save the life of another on an ambulance call. The female firefighters, while holding close to MICHELLE'S memory, continue to persevere without fear of resentment.

Besides being involved in operational fire fighting, the female officers have spread their wings to other facets of the Fire Service, Some can be seen playing sweet music the Fire Service Band on Independence Day or carrying out a career guidance tour to visitors at Headquarters.

The various ancillary sections of the Fire Service have also been opened up to the women. Some work at Fire Prevention, Stores, Water and Essential services and Administration. Though the work at Fire Prevention, Stores, Water and Essential services and Administration. Though the placement of some of the women in these sections might be viewed as well suited to their gender as opposed to fire fighting, they remain aware that their primal responsibility is that of a Fire Fighter and therefore, keep abreast of operations by attending regular drills and lectures.

December 1st 2001 would mark the 9th Anniversary since the integration of women into the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service. However they are still treated by some members of the public as a novelty item. For many still react with much surprise at the sight of a female Fire Officer. This is probably due to the limited visibility of the women to the public, who are only accommodated at nine (9) of the twenty-three (23) Fire stations in
Trinidad and Tobago.

Seen or unseen, women in the fire service is a reality, a reality that the thirty pioneers (now 28) can feel proud of. For the road has been paved and the ice has been broken for future generations of female Fire fighters.