Wilson is Durham Fire Department's first female battalion chief
2-12-2010
Durham NC.
By KEITH UPCHURCH
kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612
DURHAM -- Calm under pressure. It's how the Durham Fire Department's first female battalion chief describes herself as she assumes new duties in a profession long dominated by men. But for Tamala Wilson, 46, working in a mostly male environment for 20 years has presented few gender-related problems. "Well, it's been interesting through the years," said Wilson, whose promotion was announced last week by Fire Chief Bruce Pagan. "But I have not encountered the kind of problems that other women have had in staunchly resistant fire departments, because there were women who came before me." Wilson, one of only nine women in the 300-person department, said she's been treated with respect by fellow firefighters. "The problems I've had, I've been able to sort of let things roll off my back, and see the bigger picture, which is that I love this job and have a passion for it," she said. "The best thing about it has always been the position the uniform puts you in to make a difference in people's lives, with community service and being a role model." As battalion chief, Wilson will be in charge at fire scenes, and has administrative duties. But what she finds most fun about being a firefighter is lack of monotony. "There's something new every day," she said. "A new challenge, a new project, different kinds of calls." A native of Lenoir, Wilson taught in the Burlington schools before deciding to become a firefighter. "And I just got burned out on the discipline aspect of it, because that's what you end up spending a lot of your day doing." Wilson, who graduated from St. Andrew's College in Laurinburg with a teaching degree in physical education, had coached volleyball, basketball and softball and taught health, physical education and science in Burlington. But when she joined the Durham Fire Department, she knew she had found her calling. "I've been preparing for this position [battalion chief] for about six years, going to conferences and riding along with my battalion chief" and studying, she said. "I feel that my best strengths are suited for this position, and that I'm a people person and very organized." Pagan said Wilson's best quality is probably "a willingness to listen and learn." "She is level-headed," he said. "She stays composed, and she's eager to learn and be involved. She makes good decisions, and leads by example." "We feel like she will serve the city and the Fire Department very well in her capacity as a battalion chief." (HS)