Crime & Safety
Today Show Features Arlington's Fire Camp for Girls
Teenagers learn and work alongside Arlington County firefighters.
The Arlington County Fire Department’s fire camp for girls was featured Wednesday morning on NBC’s Today Show.
The free, three-day camp gives girls between the ages of 13 and 16 a chance to experience the everyday life of a firefighter or EMT. Campers suit up, study and work alongside ACFD firefighters and other personnel.
This summer’s camp ended on July 14. Attendees slept overnight at Marymount University, getting a taste of college life.
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Campers were selected on the strength of essays they had to submit, as well as their grade-point average and involvement in after-school activities.
According to the Today Show report, 25 of the ACFD’s more than 300 staffers are female. Just 4.5 percent of the nation’s firefighters are women.
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• Watch the Today Show report above.
In 1974, Arlington County hired Judy Brewer as the first full-time female firefighter in the United States.
Brewer was profiled Sunday on NPR’s Weekend Edition.
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