Lt. Erin Stehr's call to keep others safe is answered through her educational efforts as a proud woman in a male-dominated field, she said.
The Harrisonburg Fire Department public educator said he found supportive mentors to guide him through the process.
“I love Women's History Month [and] “I think we should always celebrate people,” Stehle said.
Mr. Stehle attended James Madison University and studied public health education. When she was in her fourth year, she had to choose an internship.
Harrisonburg Fire Department Public Education Officer Erin Stehr speaks to a third-grade class about poisons and other household hazards at Stonespring Elementary School on Tuesday.
Stechel said the fire department chose her. An advisor at James Madison University told her that her personality suited the fire department. So, she began her internship at her fire department in 2011.
“I never knew you could do public health education for couples in a fire department,” Stehle said.
Lt. Willis was the fire department's public education officer at the time, and she helped Stehle spark an interest in public education in the fire service.
“For me, I think it made me love the community and the fire department even more,” Staehle said.
Stehle said he graduated from JMU on Saturday and started working at the Harrisonburg Fire Department that Monday. Her role at the time was Child Passenger Safety Technician.
This opportunity increased Stehle's interest in overall safety. As her role has expanded, she and her HFD have listened to the needs of the community. Stehle's current job is to save lives through her education and advocacy.
Stehle has worked at HFD for 13 years and says she enjoys her job and the people she serves.
“I truly love this friendly city, and I'm so happy for the executive leadership of our fire department, starting with retired Larry Shifflett and ending with current Chief Tobia,” Stehr said. . [and] Everyone in between has supported our efforts in reducing risk in our communities. So without their support and the support of everyone in our department, I would never have been able to accomplish what I've done. ”
Stehle is a paramedic and a certified firefighter, but her primary job is education and advocacy, which Stehle says is where her passion lies.
“My job at the fire department…is to oversee and create a team of individuals who connect partnerships with the community, including schools, nonprofit organizations, and local government within the city,” Stehle said.
Another element of the job, Stehle said, is looking at the sources and trends of calls. There are other trends besides fires that HFD is paying attention to. For example, data on car accidents, distracted driving, and overdoses. That information is then used for education and support events to prevent loss of life and injury.
“Chief Tobia was right. There's no honor in going to a fire that could have been prevented,” Stehle said. “I really feel like there's a lot to be said about that…people have the education and resources to save their lives and that's what we're all about.”
According to Stehle, the fire department is divided into two main areas: management and firefighting.
According to HFD Chief Matthew Tobia, there are currently seven women working in HFD's suppression division.
“This is a great statement about their dedication to their profession,” Tobia said.
Harrisonburg Fire Department Public Education Officer Erin Stehr speaks to a third-grade class about poisons and other household hazards at Stonespring Elementary School on Tuesday.
Stehle is proud to serve alongside other women in the fire department.
“It's incredible to have seven strong, capable, and caring women in the Harrisburg Fire Department,” Stehl said. “I’m excited to be a part of an organization that gives people the opportunity to see themselves as firefighters.”
Stehle said her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field was positive as she learned about herself, overcame challenges and had great mentors.
“I feel like my family has always taught me to just go in there and be myself, and that's what worked for me,” Stehle said. “When you enter a field where you are a minority, you need to have strong emotional intelligence and know yourself well.”
Her support system has also been essential to her career.
“I have been surrounded by some of the best and most wonderful people in the world that I have not necessarily met in person. [as] “But…you want to see yourself, so that led to the creation of an all-girls fire camp, which I helped create,” Stehle said.
The free camp is open to girls ages 14 to 17 in hopes of giving new opportunities to girls who don't think they're capable of firefighting, Stehle said. .
“I am very proud to have been a member of the fire department for 13 years,” Stehle said. “I think people can grow as individuals if they continue to challenge themselves and surround themselves with people who support and challenge them.”
Stehr said she is most proud of being a woman and the mother of her daughter. But she's also happy to be a part of the Harrisonburg Fire Department.
Harrisonburg Fire Department Public Education Officer Erin Stehr speaks to a third-grade class about poisons and other household hazards at Stonespring Elementary School on Tuesday.
“You know, it's another thing to talk about gender…we have seven women. Of course, this is a big celebration of Women's History Month,” Stehle said. “But more than that, I want our fire service to become more diverse and inclusive over the next 10 years.”
Stehle said the best organizations are those that are diverse and represent people from different walks of life and backgrounds. I think we're moving in a certain direction and I hope the community sees themselves in us.
“I think my experiences in the field have made me a better person, a better lieutenant, a better friend.” [and] Mom,” Stell said.
