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NAME: Diane Lapointe EMAIL: rowell1@gte.net OCCUPATION: Firefighter/EMT BIO: I am thought to be the oldest female professional firefighter in the U.S. (as determined by Teresa Floren of "Women in the Fire Service"). I got involved in 1981 when my mobile home burned to the ground. We lived in an area of about 300 mobile homes and were served by a volunteer fire department, supplemented with one on-duty firefighter supplied by the county 8 hours a day during the week. My husband and I joined the 8 volunteers and I began an odyssey that has affected every facet of my life (and my family's) for seventeen years. I took every course offered that would teach me what I needed: volunteer firefighting, first aid, wildland firefighting, and finally the EMT course, followed by the Florida State Minimum Standards Course for Florida State Certification (required to be hired by most departments in Florida). In 1984, I was hired by the same county fire/rescue for which I had been volunteering. Three years later, I was promoted to Driver/Engineer (as a result of a written test). I left that department for several reasons, one of which included making more money, and here I am eleven years later, earning almost three times my previous salary. I am currently one of three females in my department. We have three stations, two of which have four Firefighters assigned on an engine each of three shifts, and the third has four on an engine and two on a ladder, as well as the District Commander. We also have three inspectors, an EMS District Commander, a Deputy Chief, and the Chief. The first woman on the job in our department was the first female hired in our county (fourth largest county in Florida), and she is currently a District Commander. We also have a new female rookie who is still in fire academy (but she is a certified Paramedic). I am an engine driver, and I I have been an acting Lieutenant since 1989, placed second on the promotion list about two years ago, and am first on the list now ( we have nine Lieutenants). I am the only employee in our department with working ability in the "Fire Zone" , a CAD program for fire pre-plans, and I prepare all pre-plans for placement in books on the engines (the crews do the leg-work  I do the drawings). I hold Florida State Certifications as a Fire Officer and Fire Instructor. I was also certified as a Firesafety Inspector until I accidently let it lapse last October (forgot to renew). In addition, I  am an American Heart Association CPR Instructor (formerly Instructor/Trainer, teaching all levels of CPR to the public and city employees. I have an Associate in Science Degree in Fire Science Technology (with Honors) and an Associate in Arts Degree (with Honors). I am currently enrolled in the University of South Florida, working on a Bachelor's Degree in Education. I also work as a substitute teacher in two counties, on my days off. Some of my hobbies include teaching in the county-wide "Juvenile Firesetters" program, and participating in Career Day programs in the middle and high schools. I mentored four eighth-grade girls last school year in a program called "Get a Life", which focused on matching girls with professional women in non-traditional careers. We offered new options for occupational choices to these girls over a six-week period, teaching them what educational courses they needed, what opportunities are out there today, what salaries are possible, and generally role-modeled for them.  What an experience for them and us! I am now considering retiring from the fire service and attending school full-time in order to complete my degree sooner, so that I may teach school full-time (until forced to give up). By the way, I am participating as an "encourager" for our new female county team, preparing for the "Firefighter Combat Challenge". There is only one other female team in the country, and they are in San Diego, although there are several women who compete as individuals. I would like to hear from other women firefighters and I would like to get to know more about you, Samantha Woods.