FOUR WOMAN TRAINING TO BECOME WILMINGTON’S NEXT FIRE FIGHTERS

The Wilmington Fire Department’s 41st Academy kicked off it’s first week of training with the most diverse group of recruits the department has ever seen, most notably featuring four female candidates looking to become a part of Wilmington’s firefighting force.

“When these four woman hit the streets, they will have two outstanding role models to look up to,” said Battalian Chief John Looney, referring to the two current female firefighters on staff who have each been with the department for 15-20 years. Looney says despite the challenges they met recruiting during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Wilmington Fire Department is very proud of the diversity of their 41st class, which is slated to graduate on July 17th.

Between now and then, 25 men and women with WFD along with 14 additional recruits from the city of Chester and Upper Darby’s Fire Departments will be put to the test 10 hours a day, 4 days a week training to become nationally certified fire fighters as well as nationally registered emergency medical technicians.

“Hopefully we are setting the stage for more women being interested in giving back to the community and serving on this type of department,” said 32 years Gian O’Keefe, one of the four female recruits in the 41st Academy.

Courtesy of our sister station: WITN Channel 22