First woman firefighter graduates from fire department academy | Local News

Lewis, 26, is also the first woman to serve in the history of the 135-year-old Roswell Fire Department. The department began with 40 leather buckets and a 16-foot ladder, according to the city’s website. It had eight male volunteers to start.

“It’s absolutely doable, but it’s hard work,” Lewis said about preparing for, and ultimately being, a firefighter. ”It takes commitment and discipline.”

Among those at the ceremony to talk about the department finally having a female firefighter was Mayor Timothy Jennings. He told the audience of hundreds that Lewis “earned the right” to be a Roswell firefighter.

Jennings also said Lewis shouldn’t be singled out from the other class members because she was a member of a team. All of the members, including Lewis, “made sure they had each other’s backs.”

“I had always pondered the idea of fire fighting,” Lewis said after the ceremony.

She had become professionally acquainted with the city’s fire department employees during calls for service while working for the ambulance providers.

“It’s a very good department,” Lewis said. “I have a lot of respect for these guys and the Roswell Fire Department in general.”

Lewis did well during a Combat Challenge, which is an open tryout for those interested in becoming RPD firefighters. The event invites the public to make their way…