The fire service is evolving, and women are helping shape its future at every level, from the station floor to executive leadership, emergency management, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention.

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, we sit down with accomplished women from across the fire service to discuss leadership, mentorship, resilience, and the legacy they're building for the next generation. Together, we'll explore how leadership styles are changing, why diverse perspectives strengthen emergency response, and what today's leaders can do to inspire tomorrow's firefighters.

Whether you're new to the profession or have decades of experience, this conversation is about more than representation, it's about creating a stronger, more prepared fire service for everyone.

Special Guests:

• Assistant Fire Chief Benita Dawson, Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department
• Battalion Chief Kristi Bartlett, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

About the Fire Departments:

• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department serves approximately 1.2 million residents across 400 square miles in Northern Virginia, immediately west of Washington, D.C. The department employs approximately 1,400 career personnel and operates 39 fire stations. Women represent approximately 11.5% of the department's career workforce.
• Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department serves approximately 1 million residents across 500 square miles in the Capital region of Maryland. The department employs approximately 1088 career personnel and operates 45 fire stations. Women represent approximately 12.5% of the department's career workforce.