“I’d never seen so many women firefighters in one
I signed up for in 2003. I was pulling hoses and throw-
Manhattan or Redondo and only a handful in Torrance.
ing ladders. This is administrative. There’s politics,
When you promote from captain to battalion chief, your
public speaking. I want everyone to have these skills
uniform changes from blue to black. I believe you have
before they ascend to this office.”
to see it before you can be it. Though I’d aspired to be chief, I needed to see the next rank up.” Seeing other women in those black uniforms reig-
of Women’s Fire Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in the fire service. She held Fired Up! Girls Empowerment Camp, a two-day educational
a year she became the first female battalion chief in the
experience for girls ages 12 to 19. “It was like a dream come true, and it’s so rewarding,”
Deena became acting fire chief and was officially pro-
says Deena. “We tell them about all the possible jobs
moted on November 2—making her the only female fire
in the fire service. They pull hoses, climb ladders, drag
chief in all of L.A., Ventura and Orange counties. Five
dummies and extinguish small fires. It builds confidence
months later Kristin Crowley became fire chief of the
and self-esteem. You may go in thinking you can’t do it,
Los Angeles Fire Department, so now there are two.
but when you’re able to do things you couldn’t imagine
“I’m always striving to be a better leader,” says
|
Deena serves as vice chair on the executive board
nited Deena’s ambition to pursue a higher rank. Within South Bay. In July 2021, when her predecessor retired,
64
Deena. “This position is completely different than what
place. There are only two of us in El Segundo, none in
doing, you realize you can do anything.” ■