Honoring Our First Response Team: An Ode to Los Angeles' Female Heroes, Past and Present
- JCI Blog
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
By Hiba Fatima
January 2025 proved to be a critical and eye-opening month for Angelenos. While the start of the year is often seen as a time for renewal, many communities across Los Angeles were instead confronted with a devastating fire crisis. As Southern California expressed endless gratitude to first responders and emergency crews, it was important to recognize the remarkable women on the frontlines—leaders, firefighters, pilots, and paramedics—who played a vital role in protecting lives and homes.
In honor of Women’s History Month, JCI celebrates the trailblazing women who have broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, paving the way for future generations.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Firefighting
Historical Milestones
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has come a long way in terms of gender inclusion. For decades, firefighting was seen as a male-only profession—until the 1980s, when the LAFD officially began integrating female firefighters into its ranks.
1983: Julie Gardener and Joan Cameron made history as the first career female firefighters in the department. Their presence signaled the beginning of change in a field that had long resisted female participation (view here).
1984: That same era also marked the inclusion of African American women in the fire service. D’Lisa Davies, a U.S. Army veteran, became the first African American woman to serve in the LAFD. Her entry into the department was more than a personal achievement, it was a moment of progress that inspired future generations of women of color to pursue careers in firefighting.
The Modern Era
2022: Kristin Crowley shattered another glass ceiling by becoming LAFD’s first female and openly gay fire chief. A 22-year veteran of the department, Crowley has been a steadfast advocate for equity and efficiency in emergency response.
2025: Most recently, Chief Crowley publicly criticized budget cuts and water supply issues, highlighting how these challenges complicated firefighting efforts in Los Angeles’ latest wildfire season. Her advocacy sheds light on the systemic issues that impact first responders and underscores the importance of supporting fire departments with adequate resources.
Women on the Frontlines: Courage in Action
Women have not only fought fires on the ground but have also taken to the skies, leading aerial firefighting efforts with skill and precision.
Helicopter pilots Annie Paya and Liz Lavagnino have been instrumental in combating wildfires from above, often forming an extraordinary all-female team that tackles blazes in some of the toughest conditions. Their work exemplifies how women continue to redefine firefighting.
Desiree Horton started her aviation career at just 19 years old and has since become one of the most respected pilots in aerial firefighting. Her expertise in piloting firefighting aircraft has helped save countless acres of land and homes (pictured left).
Women in Law Enforcement: Pioneers of Justice
Los Angeles has also been home to pioneering women in law enforcement, who have worked tirelessly to ensure safety and justice for all.
Alice Stebbins Wells (1910): The first sworn female police officer in the United States, Wells joined the LAPD after advocating for the need for women in law enforcement, particularly in cases
involving women and children. She later founded the International Police Women's Association to continue advancing gender representation in the field.
Georgia Ann Robinson (1916): The first African American policewoman in the country, Robinson focused on community welfare, handling juvenile and homicide cases with a commitment to restorative justice. She played a key role in referring cases to social services rather than pursuing arrests and founded the Sojourner Truth Home, a shelter for women and girls in need. (view here)
Margaret Q. Adams (1912): Appointed as the first female deputy sheriff in the U.S., Adams dedicated over 35 years to law enforcement, paving the way for generations of women to follow.
Josephine Serrano Collier (1946): The first Latina officer in LAPD history, Collier graduated from the department’s first all-female police academy class, breaking racial and gender barriers within law enforcement.
Emergency Medical Services: Saving Lives on the Frontlines
The world of emergency medical services (EMS) has also seen groundbreaking women who have transformed healthcare and paramedic training.
Carol Bebout (1969): A critical care nurse who co-founded the nation’s first paramedic training programs at Harbor General Hospital, Bebout played a key role in shaping modern emergency medical care.
Carlesta Wells (1978): The first African American female paramedic hired by LAFD, Wells opened doors for women of color in emergency medical services, proving that leadership and expertise know no gender.
A Historic First: The Pasadena Fire Department’s All-Female Crew
2018: For the first time in history, the Pasadena Fire Department staffed an engine with an all-female crew. This milestone was a testament to the progress being made in ensuring women’s representation across all aspects of emergency response.
Honoring the Women Who Keep Los Angeles Safe
From battling fires and piloting rescue helicopters to leading law enforcement and revolutionizing emergency medical services, women have long played a vital role in keeping Los Angeles safe. Their contributions, both past and present, serve as a reminder that heroism knows no gender.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, JCI proudly honors the women who have paved the way for future generations and continue to serve as beacons of courage, leadership, and resilience.
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