By EMS1 Staff
NEW YORK — FDNY’s first Asian-American female firefighter received an award for her efforts in doubling the number of female firefighters in the department.
Glamour reported that Sarinya Srisakul, president of United Women Firefighters, made it her goal to recruit more women to the department. She helps train women for the firefighter’s exam and also hosts mental health workshops to discuss workplace discrimination.
When Srisakul joined the department in 2005, she said she quickly realized more females needed to join. She added that for some female patients, it’s comforting to be treated by another woman, but she also said that she just wants women to experience the excitement of firefighting.
“Sometimes, it’s like pissing into hell,” Srisakul said.
Her efforts have helped double the number of women in the FDNY, from 37 in 2013 to 68 today.
Netflix honored Srisakul for her achievements by making her the first recipient of the Freedom Award, which was inspired by their hit show “The Crown” and designed for women who pave the way for future female generations.