South County Fire is celebrating the promotion of Battalion Chief Terri Fitzgerald, the agency’s first-ever female chief officer.
Fitzgerald has worked nearly 30 years in the fire service, beginning her career in 1995 as a volunteer for Chelan County Fire District 1. She joined South County Fire as a firefighter/paramedic in 2003, later promoting to captain.
“It is humbling to be the first female battalion chief in this department,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m honored to be in this position.”
Nationwide, women make up approximately 9% of the fire service. South County Fire employs 33 women firefighters, close to 10% of uniformed staff.
“Chief Fitzgerald is a highly valued member of our team at South County Fire,” said Fire Chief Bob Eastman.