L.A.D.D.E.R program helping young girls join fire service

Although women make up just 3.6 percent of Dallas Fire Rescue’s workforce, they make significant contributions and hold nearly every position within the department.

Last year, Dallas Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Tameji Berry recognized this gender gap in her profession as an opportunity to interest more women in a career in fire service. Her concern sparked development of a unique mentorship program for girls in the Dallas Independent School District. And in November 2015, the Ladies Achieving Dreams with Dedication Enthusiasm and Respect (L.A.D.D.E.R.) program was established.

The program focuses on leadership skills, professionalism, discipline, teamwork and self-esteem. The goal is to increase the number of women in the fire service and also to increase high school graduation rates and decrease teen pregnancy.

Camp L.A.D.D.E.R. is the only program specifically for girls that also offers CPR certification, training in fire inspection and fire investigation.