Trainee at FDNY Training Academy

Lynn Porter at the FDNY training academy.  Although women like Porter were given a fair chance at admittance to the FDNY, progress needed to be made in their treatment after entering the force. 

Many women recount experiences of aggression, hate and sexism during their years in the force.  In order to combat these isolating experiences, female firefighters united in solidarity to form groups such as the United Women Firefighters. Members of UWF elected Brenda Berkman, plaintiff of a case against the FDNY for gender-based discrimination, as their first president. 

Read more at LaborArts’ exhibit Women Firefighters in New York City.