Women’s History Month: Women Firefighters share their story

It wasn’t until the 1970s that women began to gain rights in workplaces. Many were met with pushback as they delved into male-dominated roles.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, women make up less than 5% of firefighters. I’m here at Harrison County Fire Rescue Station One to speak with two women firefighters who are making history.

“As I got older, as my children got older, I realized that maybe I needed to settle down a little bit and do the so-called norm of the mom, and it just didn’t fit my personality,” said Lavonda Hubbard, a firefighter of 5 years. “It doesn’t fit people like our personality. We’re just tough moms, and we do stuff for our boys.”

Wife, Mother, Firefighter — these women hold all three titles and then some.

Jessica Lessard was an EMT — Lavonda Hubbard in the Navy — when they told their families they wanted to start fighting fires.

“I had a lot of support, and I am very thankful because I don’t think I could have done it without the support I had,” Jessica Lessard, who has been with the fire department for nearly two years.

“It was more of people having questions of the unknown, like ‘Are you doing the same fitness test?'” Hubbard explained. “‘Are you capable of picking the guy next to you up?'”

The two told News 25’s Brooke Parker that at first they felt like they needed to prove themselves, but they were soon welcomed into the department with open arms

“They treated me as a firefighter. Not like a female firefighter,” Lessard said. Her husband is also a firefighter. “They treated me so well, and they gave accolades when due, but also that constructive criticism that is very vital.”

They have the women who came before them to thank for the progress that’s been made.

“My aunt, she’s battled so much adversity in her life,’ Hubbard said. “and she still comes out with a positive attitude that what she went through is meant to be there for a stepping stone for somebody else.”

Jessica Lessard said, “My mom has always been incredibly supportive of me. She always would tell me that I could do it. She just always had my back.”

They may not realize it, but these women are also paving the road for an upcoming generation… and it’s started at home.

“I guess I’m just happy that my boys see women in positions that they aren’t typically in, and they just see that as normal,” Lessard said about her three sons at home.

There is still progress to be made. Others may doubt Jessica and Lavonda, but their families and work crew lift them up.

“There’s a lot of people who perceive your success in their own personal capabilities,” Hubbard said. “So, they don’t see it for themselves. I would say to all the girls out there, just remember, it’s their perspective, not yours. You can do it. As hard as it is sometimes, it will be lonely, but you’ll find your people, your group, your support system…. and everyone else will come around sooner or later.”