The cons are being in an environment where some men aren’t as accepting of women in the male dominated field. Another con for me was earlier in my career when my son was younger and I was working 24 hour shifts. That was hard on both of us with me not being there all day and even more difficult on the holidays. My mother was my rock. She helped watch him while I was working. How did you prepare for the physical requirements of the job? I was very athletic when I started with the department. I played sports in high school and college. I continued recreational sports after college and was in pretty good shape. I walk and play softball to try to remain physically fit, but I don’t work out regularly as I should.
Annie Bloxson
Captain, Pensacola Fire Department Annie Bloxson was born and raised in Pensacola by her late parents, James and Josephine Bloxson. She graduated from Woodham High School and Northwestern State University of Louisana with a BS degree in business administration. She has been a firefighter for 23 years and has achieved several certifications including Instructor III and Fire Inspector. She grew up in a large family with nine sisters and two brothers and she is the proud mother to one son, Gilbert Galloway, Jr. What motivated you to become a fire fighter? I actually applied for an administrative position in the office. During my drug screening for that position the recruiter at the time—Marsha Underwood— approached me about a position as a firefighter if I did not get the administrative position. I agreed so I could provide a better life for my son Gilbert. He was my motivation. Being a single parent, my focus was being the best mother to my son. Being a
firefighter, I am able to help save lives and protect the property of the citizens here in Pensacola. This is something I am proud and honored to do. What do you see as the pros and cons of being a woman in law enforcement? The pros are being a positive role model to my son and showing young girls that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. Another pro is protecting lives and property.
What advice do you have for young women considering a career in law enforcement? To the young women considering a career in the fire service, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you are a woman. Carolyn Watkins and Robyn Sibley paved the way for me. Ginny Cranor, Angela Rockstad and I are paving the way for the women who follow. Get your education, stay drug and tobacco free. You can accomplish anything thing you put your mind to.
How do you handle the psychological and emotional taxation of the job? You often see people at their worst. That must being difficult. God is good all the time! I pray often and I have family and a few co-workers whom I can talk to through the challenging times. I also schedule time just for myself. I enjoy spending time with my family during Sunday dinner. This is something we continued doing after our parents passed. I enjoy being home watching a good movie or a good game. I enjoy playing sports and taking my nieces and grand godson to the movies. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Being the first African-American female promoted to captain in the history of the department. What do you love about living and working in the Pensacola Community? Who wouldn’t love working in a community with beautiful beaches and quick access to major cities in the South? The cost of living isn’t bad either.
pensacola magazine | 39