After years of training, Stacey Verheul, of Balclutha, received the rank of operational station officer with the Balclutha brigade.
It is believed the first time a firefighting woman has received the rank with the Balclutha brigade.
Miss Verheul said she was pretty stoked to finally make the ranks.
She had to do about eight years’ worth of courses to become certified to be a station officer.
"I’m just quite chuffed that I’ve been appointed into that position now."
Miss Verheul did not think there was much significance to her being one of the first women in the brigade to reach the higher ranking.
"I just see myself as one of the guys so I try not to see myself as anything different."
It made things easier "being one of the boys".
Another woman had been appointed to a similar role with the brigade before, but Miss Verheul said she was the first female station officer who was also a firefighter.
"There is quite a big difference between the operational support and the on-the-ground firefighting people."
Four women make up the 27-strong team within the Balclutha brigade.
Chief Fire Officer Graeme Ferguson said there was a lot of work involved with the station officer position.
Miss Verheul had already proven herself in the role, even before she was qualified, Mr Ferguson said.
He said she was a very approachable and competent firefighter who did very well with the brigade.
The new role meant a lot more involvement and responsibility for her.
Miss Verheul would be in charge of appliances and calls as well as being involved with training.
Mr Ferguson said it was possible for anyone to be promoted to station officer but it took a lot of training and time.
"There’s probably other people who could be every bit as confident or as competent but just don’t have the time and commitment to do that."
Women were just as capable as men and Miss Verheul proved that, he said.
Women in other brigades had been appointed the role before and to higher ranks as well.
This was a first for the Balclutha brigade, Mr Ferguson said.
