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Durham wants more women firefighters

In an effort to recruit more women and minorities, the Durham Fire Department is launching a major hiring effort this September.

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DURHAM, N.C. — Durham Fire Captain Angelica Greene is hoping more women will join her profession.

“One year from now, if we could get at least five or 10 more females to join this organization, that would be a milestone,” Greene said Monday.

Greene is one of only 10 women in a 280-person fire department.

In an effort to recruit more women and minorities, Durham is launching a major hiring effort this September.

“Some departments are going through a hiring freeze right now, but fortunately for us, we've been given permission to fill our vacancies. So we are going to actively pursue that,” Durham Fire Chief Bruce Pagan said.

Greene is an example of what's possible for women in the firefighting profession. After 13 years, she is a captain and is recognized nationally for a fire safety program she developed for seniors and the disabled.

“It (the program) came from the heart and you just do things, not thinking about any recognition that will take place. So I was pretty surprised,” Greene said.

Just one woman outranks Greene, who is aiming for the role of battalion chief. Greene is even featured on Firehouse Subs cups.

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