Stacey Murray, 37, recently became Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade’s first female deputy chief fire officer.
Founded in 1907, the brigade today had more than 30 volunteers, five of who were women, DCFO Murray said.
"I got into it [in 2009] because I wanted to do something for my community. I’ve got a pretty stubborn streak, so I wasn’t going to let any stereotypes hold me back.
"I’d love to see more women in the brigade. Every volunteer has their skills, and women bring their own special skills and strengths."
The former station officer said the Balclutha brigade was like a "family", and she had enjoyed her varied 17 years’ service.
"You have a picture in your mind when you join of what it’s going to be like. There are good and bad moments, like when you attend an incident involving someone you know, but you can never quite anticipate what it’s going to be like when you’re actually out there."
DCFO Murray said she particularly enjoyed community outreach, inspiring younger residents to think about volunteering one day.
"It’s all about helping your community."
Another highlight had been competing in the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) crash challenge competitions, against other brigades in the South.
"I’d been a member of the team every year since I joined, and we came close [to winning] so many times. So it was amazing to win in my final year of competing, when we hosted the competition in 2022."
The SouthRoads employee and mother of three said she understood the challenges women could face volunteering for the fire service, but did not believe that should deter people.
"It can be hard dropping everything when you have small children. But thankfully I have an amazing partner, Andrew, who supports me, and my kids think it’s pretty cool now I’m deputy chief."
Her new role would involved more "managerial" oversight of brigade wellbeing and operations, she said.
"It’s a new challenge, but one thing the brigade has taught me is that people are more capable than they realise."
