Laois women fighting fires and challenging stereotypes

Laois women are fighting fires and challenging outdated perceptions of what was seen as a man's job.

The county now has the highest percentage of female firefighters in Ireland, and the longest serving female too, Rathdowney Station Officer Shusha Killeen who joined 16 years ago.

Her father is retired firefighter John Fitzpatrick and Shusha had a background in the reserve defence forces so she understood  the commitment  that  the role requires.

“I followed in his footsteps, I told no-one I applied, they just got wind a female was coming to the station. I served six months with my dad before he retired,” she said.

Changes followed.

 “They got a second toilet after I joined. I remember out of politeness being told 'don't lift that I'll get the lads', but that was an older crew” she said.   

The women pull their weight the same as any man, going through the very same top quality training, such as rolling out  hoses, driving blue light fire tenders, specialist rescues and using breathing apparatus.

Firefighter and driver mechanic Catherine Mansfield is in Abbeyleix station.

“It's a given fact, men are stronger but every job is a two or four man lift, we follow health and safety. No-one is ever on a job on their own. We can lift as heavy as the lads.  

“It's on your own back to keep fit. I did play in sports teams but I wasn't always available so now I go to the gym instead,” she said.

Emma Dollard serves in Rathdowney station.

“I've never experienced any kickback. I've never heard 'she's a woman, she can't do that',” she said.

“There's no chivalry here, we're all the same,” agreed Catherine.

Shusha said that women bring an important ingredient and balance to the role.

“If you are dealing with a road traffic collision, with females or the elderly, if they see a female fire fighter they often relax a bit. I think women generally have more empathy.

“It opens it up more. We give talks to schools and it's nice for them to see a male and a female fire fighter,” said Emma. 

Firefighters deal with far more than fires, including cardiac incidents, fallen trees, floods and collisions. 

One of the toughest jobs is attending road deaths.

 “99% of the time you're going to know them. Even after the call we get people stopping asking you for details. Out of respect for people's privacy we cannot speak about them. Controlling people at the scene is one of the hardest parts. It takes up a firefighter from doing more meaningful job, Pictures can't be taken, we  set barriers to keep people back.” Shusha said.   

They say that facilities need to improve for all members, not just women. Stradbally Fire Station is about to be rebuilt, with Rathdowney to follow, with an upgrade to Mountmellick also planned.  

“In Mountmellick we got a small upgrade after the flood in 2017, but there's still only one toilet and one shower,” said Miriam Creighton, the only female in her station, having joined in 2019.

“I enjoy it, the best part for me is the good crew, we all work together so well. I juggle it with a full time job but my employer is understanding once I catch up,” she said.

Called Portlaoise Gardai ‘lowly civil servants’

Laois has eight stations which have roles for nine firefighters, with several more for Portlaoise. 

However there is a firefighter staff shortage nationwide as well as in Laois, particularly in Abbeyleix and  Durrow stations.

It is not a job for anyone with a travelling bug. 

Firefighters must be on call 24/7 most of the week including weekends, on  a retainer pay,  staying within 5km of the station.

Unions are campaigning to improve conditions. 

At full capacity, crews can easily take their 28 days annual leave and also fill in for each other at local level for shorter breaks away from duty.

“I love it. I love doing all the courses, you meet different people and make friends. your crew is like a family,” Shusha said.

They have a justified pride in working in what are often a life or death situations.

Durrow Community Employment supervisor and firefighter Astrid Anderson's son Jack is aged 4.

“He asked me do fire fighters save people. I was taken aback. I said yes. He said 'good job Mammy'”.

Claim that complaints against prison officers in Laois and elsewhere are 'vexatious'

Asked what is the most important piece of advice they could give, the answer from Miriam is to shut all doors, day or night, so a fire takes longer to spread.

“It's the difference between life and death. And you have no visibility in smoke so keep your stairs and doorway clear,” she said.

The fire service is open to anyone passing the fitness tests, aged between 18 to 55, who can work in Ireland. For information on joining, see www.laois.ie