By Nigel Maxwell

Melfort Fire Department hires first female fire fighter

Nov 29, 2017 | 1:00 PM

For the first time in its 104 year history, the Melfort Fire Department has a female fire fighter.
 
Amanda Boland, 21, was officially appointed Tuesday night.
 
“The response has been super positive, everyone’s been super supportive, but it’s an honour to be the first girl on the Melfort Fire Department,” she said.
 
After finishing high school, Boland said she considered either studying agriculture or going to fire school. She chose agriculture, but when she moved back home to Melfort to work at Paragon Ag Services, she still had the desire to pursue firefighting.

Fire Chief Paul See said he is very glad to have Boland on board. Since he started with the department in June, recuiting more female fire fighters has been one of his priorities.

“I lived in Waskesiu, and one year we ran half our crew with females,” he said.

See said the response to Boland’s arrival had been very positive. She was an excellent candidate, adding there were few concerns about her fitness for the job. 

As for Boland, she said she looked forward to more women following her lead.

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“I hope it encourages other girls to come out and see what it’s all about and everything the department does for the city,” she said.
 

 nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca
 
On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell