Columbus names first female assistant fire chief
It took Tracy Smith two runs at the test to be accepted as a Columbus firefighter in 1998, but it only took her one try to become the highest-ranking woman in the city Division of Fire's history.
Smith, 55, has been promoted to assistant chief and will oversee all three shifts of the Emergency Services bureau, the Division of Fire announced.
The promotion is the latest in a series: Smith was promoted to lieutenant in 2006, to captain in 2011, to battalion chief in 2013 and to deputy chief in May.
Smith said her father had worked in public safety, but she had originally begun her career in a banking job when she was younger. She felt stifled, however, and decided to try to become a firefighter after talking with two female friends who were already with the fire division.
“Without being too cliché, it's been like I haven't worked a day since I've been here,” Smith said.
Early in her career, Smith said she expected to have to prove herself as a woman working in a male-dominated field.
However, she said she has seen a shift in how female firefighters are accepted and hopes it continues.
“I have never asked the people alongside me to do something I wasn't able to do,” Smith said.
“I truly believe the people I've worked alongside and are on my team respect me for that same work ethic.”
Smith said few things have come between her and her work for the division.
“I've pretty much dedicated my last 22 years — aside from my daughter — either engaged in recruiting or building the fire department,” she said.
In a statement issued by the city regarding Smith's promotion, she said
the fact that she was the first female assistant chief was not significant.
“It's significant that over the years, the city has changed in the opportunities it gives all people to succeed,” she said.
“I hope this sends a message to young women everywhere that if they work hard and stay focused, they can do anything.”
Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ said Smith is a role model for other female firefighters and women considering a career in firefighting.
“The fact that she is a woman can be considered a bonus,” Happ said.
“The reason she was promoted was because of her talent, knowledge, and ability to do the job.”
When she got the call that she had received the promotion to assistant chief, Smith said she was humbled and in shock.
“The individuals who applied for this job were great leaders within our division,” she said.
Smith said she is looking forward to helping ensure the interactions that community members have with the fire division are positive and making sure the division is providing the highest quality of service possible.
“I truly don't think the person who's running this bureau can be effective unless they're out there and see how it's being done,” Smith said.