Joliet Hires Its First Female Firefighter

JOLIET, IL - Over the years, the city of Joliet has grown and expanded significantly and so has the city's fire protection area. Nowadays, the city is authorized for 209 sworn firefighters/paramedics. But one thing always remained the same. The Joliet Fire Department had never employed a female firefighter at any of the city's nine stations. Attempts to hire a female firefighter a few years ago ultimately met resistance and did not materialize. But history changed this week under the administration of first-term Mayor Bob O'Dekirk.

On Monday, Carissa Smith made history by becoming the first female firefighter/paramedic at the Joliet Fire Department. Besides Smith, the seven additional new fire department recruits are:

• Anthony Doukas
• Kevin McCool
• Chris Gotter
• James Ryan
• David Ivnik
• Kyle Snelten
• Frank Cavallone

O'Dekirk attended Monday's event and shared the positive development on his Facebook page.

"Each new recruit was sworn in with the oath of office and each signed 'The Book,'" O'Dekirk's posted on social media. "Every firefighter that has started with the Joliet Fire Department since 1908 has signed 'The Book' and added their previous profession. Many friends, family and JFD personnel joined in the ceremony to welcome these new recruits. Congratulations to All!"

Images via Joliet Fire Department Facebook page