During Women’s History Month, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is highlighting the service and dedication of the professional women serving
with the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, DES.
“Women in the Department of Emergency Services are dedicated, resourceful, experienced and capable,” Latimer said. “They have played a vital role in keeping our communities safe. We offer opportunities to strengthen our great County by providing opportunities for women to soar. We hope future generations can be inspired by these opportunities to serve their neighbors and choose emergency services as a career.”
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Richard Wishnie said: “Diversity in the Department of Emergency Services is a major focus to assure that we have the most professional staff available to serve the public, particularly during an emergency event. The women of DES participate in critical roles from leadership, administration, fire, EMS, and communications. I am extremely proud of all of the women who make a positive contribution
to the Department of Emergency Services each and every day.”
“During Women’s History Month we recognize the dedicated, professional women who serve at the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, and how far they have come in non-traditional roles,” said Susan Spear, county DES deputy commissioner. “These women are an inspiration every day, protecting Westchester through 911 dispatch (60 Control), Fire service training, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and Administration. We have more women
serving at DES now than any other time in the Department’s history. And we are just getting started.”
Westchester County Emergency Services is made up of five divisions: EMS, Fire, Communications/60 Control, Emergency Management and Administration.
The women who work at DES serve in a variety of roles in the department, all designed to support public health and safety response functions throughout Westchester County. They are responsible for answering 911 calls, dispatching first responders, preparing for active shooter situations and coordinating
training for firefighters and EMS. DES employees also help ensure safe and efficient vaccination clinics.
There are currently 16 women employed within different divisions of the department, with the most tenured employees serving just more than 25 years.
The Chief of Training in the Fire Division plans, organizes and manages training programs for career and volunteer firefighters to ensure they meet safety standards and requirements, and prepare our firefighters to be the best they can be.
The EMS Program Specialist helps ensure that EMS responders are well trained and credentialed, and plays a key role in managing safe vaccination sites. The 60 Control Supervisors and Dispatchers are the first line of response in many types of emergency situations, making sure the appropriate type of help is on the way and that responders clearly understand the situation they are responding to. The administrative staff make the entire operation run, from procuring
necessary equipment and supplies, to managing Homeland Security grants, to supporting the Emergency Operations Center.
(Submitted)
