New committee launches for female health and safety

District 2 committee member Dani Landholm, of Omaha, NE Local 385 has long advocated for better maternal health policies and properly fitting gear, and this week, her advocacy came full circle in Washington, D.C., where she joined 15 other women from across the IAFF’s districts for the first meeting of the IAFF’s Female Health & Safety Standing Committee.  

“It was presented that there was a need for a female fire fighter health and safety committee,” said Landholm. “I felt that strong urge to be a part of it as I’ve been a big advocate in our local for our maternal health and for better fitting PPE.” 

The committee was established through Resolution No. 21 at last year’s convention and is the first in IAFF history dedicated specifically to the health and safety of female fire fighters and emergency medical workers.  

“The IAFF is committed to making our dangerous job safer,” said General President Edward Kelly. “With the creation of a new Female Health and Safety Standing Committee, we’ll be able to advocate for better research, improved protections, and a safer future for our membership.” 

A few priorities include addressing ill-fitting PPE, gaps in presumptive cancer coverage, behavioral health stressors, recruitment and retainment, maternity leave policies and outdated station designs. 

“Our safety, our wages, and our benefits should not cost us our families or the desire to be a mother, to be feminine, or to be in a leadership role. It should just be something we’re capable of doing. I love my job. I love coming to work every day and it shouldn’t cost me all the things I want to be as a person, just to have that job satisfaction,” said Landholm. 

District 15 member Genéve Bélanger of Montreal, QC Local 125, who is one month into her job as a professional fire fighter, says joining the committee was both unexpected and empowering. 

“I was like, why not do it?” said Bélanger. “There aren’t many women fire fighters, and we need to be representatives. So, I just wanted to be a part of this experience, to learn from the other women.” 

Bélanger also brought up the lack of appropriate PPE during her time as a firefighting student. 

“Even for gloves, there weren’t small sizes. For boots, I had to wear two pairs of big socks just to make them work and even then, they were too small. I would lose dexterity with my gloves on,” she said. “It’s awkward and uncomfortable, especially after hours on scene.” 

District 11 committee member and Oklahoma City, OK Local 157 member Tessie Taleu shared similar concerns and says it’s an honor to be a part of the new committee. 

“I’m here because I’m very blessed to have a lieutenant that believes in me,” said Taleu. “I’m very fortunate to have a crew and a station that really harps on training and knowledge. Having seen very few females nationwide, we found a need to grow female fire fighters.” 

Taleu also called for more inclusive gear sizing. “A lot of females struggle with that, but even some men have body types that would benefit from different fits,” she said. 

IAFF Elected Human Relations Committee member Barbara Sellers spoke to the committee about various issues for women in the fire service, include the need for mentorship. “If you have only one female in your department it’s hard to have female mentorship programs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work with other departments,” she said. 

Hitting the ground running, committee members hope their efforts will help improve the health, safety and quality of life other women in the fire service and those considering joining.  

“Get involved with the union,” said Taleu.“I wish I had started when I first got hired on. Thankfully, I can start now, and just be proactive about your health.”