First Black Woman Battalion Fire Chief In 149-Year History

Capt. Lisa Forrest of Ladder 24 in West Philadelphia is now Battalion Chief Lisa Forrest.

Forrest is the first Black woman to hold the title in the department’s 149 year history. When she entered the Philadelphia Fire Academy back in 2003, Lisa Forrest faced scrutiny because she was just under 5ft tall & 99 lbs… Wait… let’s just call it what it was… “hateration”! She faced hateERation from some male cadets & instructors who doubted her ability.

Determined to succeed, Lisa went in early every day to figure out the best technique to lift the heavy equipment required of her in order to become a firefighter. She became a firefighter in 2003 and within two years became a lieutenant. In 2013, she became the first Black woman captain & now battalion chief.

Photo: Capt. Lisa Forrest | CW Philly

When asked about the women who may consider her career path she said:

“Hopefully, they look at me & say if she can do it, I can do it.”

Forrest is also the first woman president of Club Valiants, a society for minority firefighters. She hopes her hard work and determination inspires other women.

We salute you Battalion Chief Lisa Forrest. Congratulations from the BITS Collective.. Black is the Standard!

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