First responders Donna Desantis and Yvonne Ouimet know what it takes to pass the challenging physical tests required to become a police officer or firefighter and want to pass that knowledge on to the next generation of female emergency workers.
They are taking part in the Women on Fire event next weekend at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg, where there are spots for up to 180 women to network with female first responders and practice the physical tests required for a career in policing, firefighting or border services.
The event is the brainchild of Desantis, a City of Windsor facilities supervisor and the only female among Tecumseh’s 40 volunteer firefighters. The goal of the one-day event is to dispel the myth the tests are too taxing for an average woman by providing training and practical tips and, ultimately, to recruit more women into the emergency services field.
“The more diverse your staff is, the better you can serve your community,” said Desantis. “We want women to get interested and recognize that there are women in these professions.”
Role models are very important — this is a way to put women at the forefront
While men can typically breeze through the physical testing because of their natural upper body strength, it can often be discouraging for women, said Desantis.
“This event is for people who know they want to do it,” she said. “We will show you the tips and tricks you need to get through the physical testing.”
Ouimet, a Windsor police constable for 17 years, has taken the force’s recruitment efforts to Twitter, using the handle @joinwps.
She said some potential female recruits view the physical test as a “barrier, a reason they may not apply to the profession.” She stressed a woman of average physical strength should be able to pass it with the proper attitude and training.
“It takes the mystery out of it and takes them through the test and helps them improve,” she said. “It’s about technique, skills and learning those techniques.”
Both Desantis and Ouimet said it was important for more women to become involved in fields traditionally dominated by men so that young girls have someone to emulate.
“Role models are very important. They have to be able to see themselves in that job and see women in those positions. We have to represent,” said Ouimet. “This is a way to put women at the forefront. It’s a way to say that we are here and we want more of you.”
The event is for women 18 and older and takes place Saturday, June 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.
To register go to: https://womenonfireevent.eventbrite.com.
More more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.