We were so lucky to have the women and men of the Rialto Fire Department (Fire Station 3) welcome us yesterday!

The visit is part of our Classroom to Career: Developing Tomorrow’s Female Leaders program sponsored in part by Bank of America and the GSSGC Alumnae Association.

Our girls, between 10 to 17 years old, received a behind-the-scenes access tour of the fire station, guided by female firefighter and paramedic Theresa C. Rivera. Needless to say, it was awesome!

Theresa personally escorted us through every aspect of day-to-day operations at the Fire Department. The tour was particularly interactive; Girl Scouts dressed in Fire Explorer uniforms to practice training maneuvers alongside professional Rialto firefighters, explored an ambulance and EMT opportunities, rode the fire engine, and watched a live vehicle fire demonstration.

Rialto Fire Department Fire Chief Mat Fratus personally welcomed our group of eager teens to the fire station.

“A career in the fire service offers fantastic opportunities to serve the community in unique and exciting ways. Too often, the job of firefighting is seen as something that is not a traditional option for women. The reality is that these jobs are about determination, character, and a heart for service, which are traits that describe leaders, not a gender,” said Fratus.

Wish you could have joined us at the fire station?

Don’t regret, because Classroom to Career is just getting started! We will have more behind-the-scenes tours at BNSF Railways, Redlands Daily Facts, Fiesta Village and San Bernardino County Information Services.