From WDIO-TV • March 22, 2022

It's been 35 years since Duluth hired its first female firefighter, Pam Wutz. "When I was growing up, everyone called them a fireman," she recalled. But she worked hard, went to the classes, took the test, and got hired on. "There were some growing pains. But there were always a good group of guys and people who supported me," she added.

Wutz remembers volunteering in Head Start classrooms, to help the kids get more familiar with firefighters. And to show little girls about the opportunities.

She and Marnie Grondahl and June Anderson lead the way. They welcomed in Carla Gamradt in 1997.

Gamradt said she first got hooked in college, after attending a firefighting class. "I fell in love with it," she told us. Carla worked in Missoula first, and then headed to Duluth with her now-husband.

It took her a couple of tries to get hired here. "There was still some reluctance," she thinks. 

Now stationed in Lakeside, she enjoys going the extra mile for her community, helping residents get working carbon monoxide detectors or making sure they can get a needed meal.

"It starts to have a home feel, really like helping neighbors, than going to work," she said.

And she helps take care of the new women who join the department. That includes organizing get togethers with the other women, and offering advice.

"Women process things differently than men do, and sometimes need to be there to support eachother," Wutz added.

Although trailblazers like Wutz have retired, the department is always looking for more women. Chief Shawn Krizaj added that it's one of his goals to do better personally and as an organization, when recruiting.

He and newer firefighter Katie Sandstrom just did a career event at Duluth East. "What was promising to me, is that out of 11 people in the class, there was only one boy," Krizaj added.

Sandstrom has been with the department for five years. "Sometimes it feels like I started two weeks ago, and other times it's hard to believe it's only been five years," she said.

She's assigned to Tower 1. "I love that every day, when you walk in the door, it's going to be something different. There's nothing really reptitive."

Sandstrom wants other young women to know, you can do this job too. "I might not be able to muscle my way through a door like some of these guys can do. But I bring something else to the table. Being a mom, and a female, being able to show more emotion. I may be able to respond to a patient differently than my co-worker."

You do need physical strength, to be able to pass the test. But also  mental strength, and the ability to think quickly. "There's a great training program now. Everyone is willing to help, and pitch in, so everyone can succeed," Gamradt said.

And Wutz made sure to add, "I think the message is follow your heart. Prepare so that you've got some of the attributes and skills you need to do. And enjoy the ride."

To see the original story and read related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/female-firefighters-duluth-profession/6425471/