There’s a whole new meaning to “fighting fire with fire” as the New York Fire Department welcomes its first transgender firefighter, Brooke, whose last name is not being disclosed.
The female firefighter who underwent gender reassignment, has been “openly welcomed by the FDNY” the New York Post reports.
“It’s a tremendously courageous decision,” said one fellow firefighter. “Hopefully everyone will be supportive.”
The firefighter worked at Ladder 172/Engine 330 in Bensonhurst, but has since transitioned into working at FDNY headquarters where she now schedules appointments and firefighter recruits.
“I am appreciative of the support that the FDNY has given me during this time in my life. However, it is my expressed wish that the details of my personal and professional life remain private,” she told the New York Post in a statement.
This is not the first time a New York serviceman has made a decision to undergo gender reassignment. In 2005, a city police officer at the Queens Transit Task Force went public with his decision to become a woman. The force had been “supportive and understanding” reports the Post.
“Being transgender is just one part of who a person is and we are encouraged to hear her coworkers realize she is the same person and can be true to herself at work,” said Lisa Mottet, spokesperson at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, who applauded the woman and the NYFD for embracing change and diversity in the workplace.
Brooke’s role at the New York Fire Department is a much needed stroke of diversity for the 91 percent white male task force.
Any firefighter willing to put it all on the line to save those in need deserves our respect. It’s a tough job and I applaud Brooke for doing it. The fact that she’s gone through all she has and still wants to work for the FDNY shows how strong a person she is. Great story and thanks for making us aware while still respecting her privacy.
– Rob