All-female firefighting crew makes history in Glynn County

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — It’s no secret, firefighting is a male-dominated career. Three female firefighters with the Glynn County Fire Department in Georgia are snuffing out fires and stereotypes.

Capt. Elizabeth Hawkins, Syndal Tillotson and Brianna Depp were the first all-female firefighting engine crew within the department.

The crew served together at Fire Station 2 on St. Simons Island for several weeks.

“Usually it’s one of us at a station with three other guys minimum,” Tillotson said. “To be the majority at a station was different.”

Tillotson said when they responded to a carbon monoxide alarm recently, the people were surprised.

“They said, ‘Wow. Two ladies on a fire engine.’ We said, ‘Yeah, we got a third one out by the engine right now,’ and just shocked,” Tillotson said.

Depp, who is pregnant, is currently on light duty status and will soon be on maternity leave.

She said it was empowering to serve as the first all-female firefighting engine crew.

“I was pretty excited for it,” Depp said.

There are more than 100 firefighters with the Glynn County Fire Department, but only six women.

The crew hopes to inspire young women to pursue a career in firefighting.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

© 2019 Cox Media Group