DISD young ladies climb the leadership LADDER

Although just 3.6 percent of Dallas Fire Rescue’s force is female, their contributions are significant as they hold nearly every position within the department.

Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) Deputy Chief Tameji Berry saw an opportunity to blend gender representation, awareness, community service and the need for mentorship among Dallas Independent School District (DISD) high school age girls.

And after two years of research and planning, an inaugural camp was held in November: Ladies Achieving Dreams with Dedication, Enthusiasm and Respect (LADDER).

“Very few programs across the nation are geared towards girls only,” said Berry, deputy chief of DFR’s fire Investigation and explosive ordnance disposal division. “We wanted to increase the number of women in the fire service, but we also wanted to help increase DISD graduation rates, and provide discipline, professionalism and leadership skills that can be applied in any profession and throughout life.”

The camp’s goal is to present a one-day program to give young women in DISD a look at potential careers in fire service, focusing on character development, self-confidence and leadership.

A total of 29 young ladies participated in the November LADDER camp; many in that group also applied for the DFR Explorer Program to further their interest in the fire service. DFR is the only such camp in the nation that offers CPR certification as well as training in fire inspection and investigation.

“The majority of the girls asked if they could participate again next year and many schools have requested to have their sites chosen for upcoming dates,” said Berry.

The next DFR L.A.D.D.E.R. camp will be held in 2016.