By Susan E. Hoffman
Sun-Herald (Charlotte, N.C.)
Copyright 2007 Sunline
NORTH PORT, Fla. — Imagine carrying six gallons of milk, say, or six typical bricks in a backpack, and then going on a three-mile hike — and you have to cover the three miles in 45 minutes or less.
That is the U.S. Forest Service “Pack Test” North Port firefighter Kristy “Red” Halvorsen had to pass to qualify as a federal firefighter.
Last summer, Halvorsen was the only woman on a team of 20 firefighters from Florida sent by the federal government to battle a 100,000-acre wildfire in Montana.
Halvorsen is one of a new breed of women with careers in public safety: firefighters, emergency medical technicians or law enforcement. They are strong, agile and in top physical condition. And they love their jobs.
Full Story: Fla. female employees raising bar in EMS field