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Sharlene Warren is the
first. The first woman to earn a spot on the Memphis fire department's
command staff. she hopes others will follow in her footsteps. Warren says,
"This promotion definitely is a barrier breaker. Opening doors for women
throughout the United States in fire service."
Warren is the new chief of staff. She worked her way up through the ranks
for the last 21 years, starting as a dispatcher. Her promotion makes her
the third highest ranking member of the Memphis fire department. Chester
Anderson, director of fire services says, "I've always known there were
women within the fire department out there who could do these things if
you would just open it up and include them. They would."
Since the inception of the fire department back in 1846, women have held a
lot of different jobs but none as high as chief. The Memphis fire
department is like other departments across the country. most of its
employees are men. Warren hopes other women who've watched her rise to the
top will see hope for themselves in a male dominated field.
Warren's husband, who is also a firefighter officially pinned her in her
new rank. She's managed to balance life as a career woman and wife. You
see, it's fifty-fifty at home...but because she now outranks him, at work
she's boss.
Other promotions today include: Chief Jimmie Price to chief administrative
officer. Investigator Allen Roberts is the new fire marshall. |