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NAME: Cindy Anderson EMAIL: sindee@esn.net OCCUPATION: Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate BIO: Permit to begin by saying Samantha has done a wonderful service by providing this page. Women in the fire service and emergency medicine have been overlooked for far to long. Thank You! When the request for my bio was made, I felt truly honored, but a bit apprehensive. Let me begin by telling you I am 39 years old, I have worked in the emergency medical field for 8 years. I was employed as a pharmacy techinican in a local pharmacy. The manager of the store was a volunteer fireman, his department had started providing emergency medical care at a first responder level. I had been a basic EMT for about a year then, but because my children were small I could not devote the time required to join a rescue squad. This was a perfect opportunity for me. I then became a member of the fire department and was placed on a team, I then became active in the community, it was a source of great joy for me. Until the day a small group of "us girls" wanted to fight fires, we were told that the department didnt allow or want women firefighters. The group of 1st responders were comprised of a small number of women, I was insulted and hurt. My association with this department did not end there, as it should have, I continued to respond to calls, I felt the negativity should not overshadow the contribution to the community. I remained with this department for many years. I began to work for a private ambulance transport service part time during this period, and went back to school to obtain my intermediate certification. Part of the requirement to obtain my certification was to ride 24 hours of calls with a rescue squad. I was hooked! I loved it! I knew a career in emergeny medicine was what I wanted . My children were still young and my primary priority. I placed my "dream" on hold for a while. I went to work full time for the private ambulance service, it wasn't exacty what I wanted, but it was as close as I could get at that time in my life. A few years went by, my children grew and and didn't require my constant attention. I felt I could now devote some time to my "dream". My years of service to the fire department and my employent with the ambulance service allowed me to meet some of the most wonderful, caring, people. One of these people offered me a part time job with his rescue squad. I accepted, at the same time my application to another squad as a volunteer was accepted, I found myself working two jobs, and volunteering with two different agencys! My closet was filled with uniforms, I condidered using velcro to change the patches instead of changing uniforms! I guess I had waited so long to fulfill my dream I went a bit overboard! I loved it! Three years ago my "dream" was finally realized, I now work full time in EMS. I am proud to say that I am the first woman to be employed by this organization. This year we elected our first woman captain! I began to assist basic EMT instuctors with their classes, I found I could actually teach! I became employed with the college as an instructor. As you can imagine I was spread a little thin! With regret I gave up my association with the fire department and the private ambulance service, I felt I needed to sleep sometime. It had been a wonderful time in my life. It was very rewarding to me to go back to the very department I started with and teach them! I have learned so much, no two calls are the same. I have seen tragedy at the loss of a loved one and the joy of a new life, often in the same hour. It has been well worth the effort! I'd like to take a moment to address all the women out there who contemplate a career with the Fire Service or EMS, Do not let anyone tell you you can't do it! You can! The women featured on these pages are examples of what can be accomplished if the desire and drive is there! My only regret is that I didn't push the issue when I was told I wasn't allowed to become a firefighter because of my gender. Rest assured, That will never happen again! Fight for your dreams! You will find support in pages like these and with women like the ones featured here. Thank-You

NAME: Nancy Tabel EMAIL: nancytabel@worldnet.att.net OCCUPATION: Fire Captain/EMT-D BIO: I joined the ranks of Asheville Fire Dept. as a rookie firefighter in 1989. In 1995 I was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain and have served on both ladder and engine assignments. In addition I hold NC State certifications as instructor, haz mat tech, BS and BSW degrees. Teams that I am actively involved with include NC State Regional Response Team, Wildland Firefighting, and Recruitment/Hiring. Personal activities include backpacking/hiking, whitewater rafting, travel, and investments.

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