July 2023 Featured Interview
Fighting Fires, Honoring Traditions, and Embracing Innovation
Interview with
Chief Donna Black
EFO/CFO of the Duck Fire Department in North Carolina
President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs
Chief Donna Black
Photo Courtesy: Donna Black
Photo Courtesy: Donna Black
About Donna:
Chief Donna Black, EFO/CFO of the Duck Fire Department in North Carolina, is President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). She has over 26 years of experience in Fire & Emergency Operations with a focus on emergency management.
She began her career in 1997 as a volunteer, earning her way through the ranks (as both a paid and volunteer firefighter). In 2006, she was selected as the fire chief for the Town of Duck. One of her major career accomplishments has been the realignment of an all-volunteer fire department to a thriving combination fire department.
Known for big picture thinking and relationship building, she is a leader in the US Fire Service through both regional collaborations and national board positions. Donna is inspired to share the voice of smaller size and combination departments on national and international committees to ensure that the important viewpoint of transitioning departments is heard. She advocates for highly effective and inclusive departments, is dedicated to continuous learning, and makes a priority of leaving a legacy of bettering the Fire Service.
As a member of the IAFC since 2005, Donna credits this organization for deeply enhancing her proficiency in critical topics pertaining to emergency response. She has served on several boards, including the Volunteer Combination Officers Section, Council for Future Volunteer Firefighters (vice chairperson), and FRI Program Planning Committee. Most recently, Donna was chosen to co-chair the Women Fire Chiefs Council. She continues to advocate for highly effective and inclusive volunteer and combination fire departments.
Chief Donna Black, EFO/CFO of the Duck Fire Department in North Carolina, is President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). She has over 26 years of experience in Fire & Emergency Operations with a focus on emergency management.
She began her career in 1997 as a volunteer, earning her way through the ranks (as both a paid and volunteer firefighter). In 2006, she was selected as the fire chief for the Town of Duck. One of her major career accomplishments has been the realignment of an all-volunteer fire department to a thriving combination fire department.
Known for big picture thinking and relationship building, she is a leader in the US Fire Service through both regional collaborations and national board positions. Donna is inspired to share the voice of smaller size and combination departments on national and international committees to ensure that the important viewpoint of transitioning departments is heard. She advocates for highly effective and inclusive departments, is dedicated to continuous learning, and makes a priority of leaving a legacy of bettering the Fire Service.
As a member of the IAFC since 2005, Donna credits this organization for deeply enhancing her proficiency in critical topics pertaining to emergency response. She has served on several boards, including the Volunteer Combination Officers Section, Council for Future Volunteer Firefighters (vice chairperson), and FRI Program Planning Committee. Most recently, Donna was chosen to co-chair the Women Fire Chiefs Council. She continues to advocate for highly effective and inclusive volunteer and combination fire departments.
Photo Courtesy: Donna Black
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“This is a pivotal moment in fire service history in which we must honor tradition and embrace innovation. Our roles have evolved tremendously from simply “putting water on the fire.” While we must never lose focus on that, we must acknowledge varying perspectives in emergency service delivery. It is critical to manage expectations and resources within a world of ever-increasing service demands.” ~ Chief Donna Black |
About International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC):
The International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. Members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety policy. The association’s mission is to provide leadership to current and future career, volunteer, fire-rescue and EMS chiefs, chief fire officers, company officers, and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services, and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. Members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety policy. The association’s mission is to provide leadership to current and future career, volunteer, fire-rescue and EMS chiefs, chief fire officers, company officers, and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services, and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.
Recent wildfires in Canada and their far-reaching effects on the air quality in many U.S. states – plus the fact that similar incidences are likely to continue – bring to light the importance of firefighters and their work in protecting our communities, along with recognizing the need to safeguard our own homes and infrastructure against fire.
Chief Donna Black is working locally, nationally and internationally in collaboration with other fire service organizations. Together, they advocate for fire and emergency services and personnel with an emphasis on training and education, championing firefighter health and safety, and creating safer communities. This is done by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, as well as through citizen education and awareness, so that they learn how to be more fire safe and to encourage more women (and men) to work in fire service through various career and volunteer opportunities.
Chief Donna Black is working locally, nationally and internationally in collaboration with other fire service organizations. Together, they advocate for fire and emergency services and personnel with an emphasis on training and education, championing firefighter health and safety, and creating safer communities. This is done by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, as well as through citizen education and awareness, so that they learn how to be more fire safe and to encourage more women (and men) to work in fire service through various career and volunteer opportunities.
Karen Shan, contributor, spoke with Donna about women in the fire service, recruitment and retention of women (and men) in the field, and what the future may look like for female firefighters.
Why did you decide to become a firefighter?
I moved to Duck, a small town in North Carolina, to open a business with a friend, and while I was running one day, a volunteer fire captain stopped me and said that I seemed fit and should join the fire department – they needed more volunteers. I went to a meeting and joined right up. It just clicked.
I think I’ve always had a desire to help others. I grew up watching Emergency on TV as a kid. I had a lunch box and doll and played ‘Johnny Gage’ [one of the show’s characters]. Much later, when I was working in the fire service, I remember being asked about the first time I rescued someone. When I was ten years old and playing on the playground, another girl playing nearby stepped on a beehive and was covered in bees. She was screaming, and I just knew I had to help her. I think it was then that I realized my desire to help people.
None of us do this alone. It’s a team effort. I have been all in since joining 26 years ago.
How did you come to be chief of the Duck Fire Department, and what does your work involve?
Since I already had a business when I joined the Duck Fire Department, I volunteered for several years, working my way up to Deputy Chief. As a volunteer, I got all my certifications. The process of training, certification and physical agility tests depends on the organization.
Why did you decide to become a firefighter?
I moved to Duck, a small town in North Carolina, to open a business with a friend, and while I was running one day, a volunteer fire captain stopped me and said that I seemed fit and should join the fire department – they needed more volunteers. I went to a meeting and joined right up. It just clicked.
I think I’ve always had a desire to help others. I grew up watching Emergency on TV as a kid. I had a lunch box and doll and played ‘Johnny Gage’ [one of the show’s characters]. Much later, when I was working in the fire service, I remember being asked about the first time I rescued someone. When I was ten years old and playing on the playground, another girl playing nearby stepped on a beehive and was covered in bees. She was screaming, and I just knew I had to help her. I think it was then that I realized my desire to help people.
None of us do this alone. It’s a team effort. I have been all in since joining 26 years ago.
How did you come to be chief of the Duck Fire Department, and what does your work involve?
Since I already had a business when I joined the Duck Fire Department, I volunteered for several years, working my way up to Deputy Chief. As a volunteer, I got all my certifications. The process of training, certification and physical agility tests depends on the organization.
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Several years after joining Duck’s fire service, there came a point where I needed to decide to continue as a volunteer or move into the work full-time. Except for the fire chief position, our fire department was all volunteer. I’d already worked as the interim chief twice and decided to put in for the chief position. I’ve been the chief since 2006. Now we’re a thriving combination department with paid, volunteer and part-time firefighters. We have developed a model to encourage community participation, and if an individual is interested in working with us, we will work with that person, providing training up to individual capabilities.
As the fire chief, I oversee the department’s operations. The job responsibilities are the same for small agencies like mine, which is a combination department, to larger metropolitan agencies. But the scope and scaling of the work depends on the specific fire department. Our system relies on the working relationships with our local municipal departments. We all work together to provide emergency services for larger incidents. While overseeing the operations and administration, I still respond to medical emergencies and major incidents, such as vehicle collisions, structure fires, and other larger emergencies (e.g. natural disasters). |
Chief Black with Firefighters
Photo Courtesy: Donna Black |
The Bureau of Labor Statics showed in 2021 that 95.5 percent of firefighters were male. Can you say why that is? Is the disparity changing and why?
That’s the ultimate question - why? From the seat I have right now and as a member of the IAFC’s Women’s Chief Council and Women in Fire organization, it’s a lot of different things. Have we done a good job of showing women that working in the fire service is possible? Are we hitting the right populations and the right age to say this is possible?
That’s the ultimate question - why? From the seat I have right now and as a member of the IAFC’s Women’s Chief Council and Women in Fire organization, it’s a lot of different things. Have we done a good job of showing women that working in the fire service is possible? Are we hitting the right populations and the right age to say this is possible?
Women Who Lead: Chief Black
Photo Courtesy: Donna Black |
My experience through volunteering was welcoming and easy. There weren’t a lot of barriers, but it’s not the same for some of my colleagues. There are a lot of factors. We all agree that there needs to be more women in the fire service. We need to do a better job of telling people this occupation is possible – for men and women. Recruitment and retention into our service is a challenge nationally, no matter the size of the department.
It’s amazing and very fulfilling work. Are we explaining the job (paid or volunteer) well enough to the public? Firefighters often work shift work, not every day. We’re involved in more than fires – vehicle collisions, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions, and different types of specialty rescues. Depending on the area and department you may not see a lot of fires. Some days we might be helping a citizen in the community with a non-emergency need. There is a quality of daring and courageousness in the work, and there definitely are hazards to it. We talk a lot about health and wellness, but you have to be willing to give up some weekends. A person has to have the passion to do this work – you can’t fake it. There’s a high level of commitment to helping others. We’re all in. How do I attract you? What would make the work seem possible? We need to tell our story better. |
What is it like to work as a female fighter?
I feel blessed in the relative ease of my journey, compared to some of my female colleagues. Not everyone has had my road. Some colleagues before me and alongside me have had a more difficult journey. The police and military are predominately male but have a higher percentage of females serving than the fire service. Through my experience, having a healthy and supportive working environment is key to the success of any firefighter.
I feel blessed in the relative ease of my journey, compared to some of my female colleagues. Not everyone has had my road. Some colleagues before me and alongside me have had a more difficult journey. The police and military are predominately male but have a higher percentage of females serving than the fire service. Through my experience, having a healthy and supportive working environment is key to the success of any firefighter.
How does the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) support female firefighters?
The International Association of Fire Chiefs is not just for chiefs. We represent the entire fire service, and we currently have 12,000 members worldwide. Anyone can join, from people in small rural cities to large metropolitan departments. Our efforts are to LEAD, EDUCATE, SERVE & INCLUDE the fire and emergency service in North America and abroad. We are one of the oldest national fire service organizations in the United States as we turn 150 years old in 2023. We hold an annual conference – this year it is in Kansas City, MO.
We strive to empower a diverse and inclusive work force. We have several groups and programs addressing this: Women’s Chief Council, the Human Relations Committee, our IDELP and FSEDI Programs.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs is not just for chiefs. We represent the entire fire service, and we currently have 12,000 members worldwide. Anyone can join, from people in small rural cities to large metropolitan departments. Our efforts are to LEAD, EDUCATE, SERVE & INCLUDE the fire and emergency service in North America and abroad. We are one of the oldest national fire service organizations in the United States as we turn 150 years old in 2023. We hold an annual conference – this year it is in Kansas City, MO.
We strive to empower a diverse and inclusive work force. We have several groups and programs addressing this: Women’s Chief Council, the Human Relations Committee, our IDELP and FSEDI Programs.
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What is your role in IAFC?
I am the 146th and second female to be president of the IAFC. You must be elected, and it is a four-year commitment with a one-year term as President. As the president and board chair, I oversee the governance of the IAFC and work with our Board of Directors and CEO to ensure our organization is fulfilling its mission. Are opportunities changing or improving for female firefighters? What might the future look like for them? I want to say yes! I don’t know if that’s true statistically, but I think there’s a feeling that things are changing for women in the fire service. For the first time, the highest ranking fire position in the United States is the U.S. Fire Administrator held by Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell. [It’s important to celebrate] women in the fire service who hold high-ranking positions because it demonstrates what’s possible. The administrator for the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also a woman and previous firefighter (Deanne Criswell). While I’m only the second female president of the IAFC, there will be another. As female firefighters, we have a responsibility to show that firefighting is possible – whether you have a full-time career path or do volunteer work – by talking about the fire service, writing articles about our work, showing the many opportunities within the field, and introducing this to our youth (both boys and girls). One of the things we’re focusing on is recruitment, which is not necessarily gender-based. |
Chief Black at the Podium
Photo Courtesy: Donna Black |
We continue to identify the barriers and recognize solutions to improve the recruitment and retention, especially of underrepresented groups. Currently, there is an unprecedented movement through the combined efforts of our fire service partner organizations to include the National Fire Protective Association (NFPA), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and other agencies (#fireserviceonevoice).
The goal is to speak collectively about the issues impacting the fire service. I think it’s exciting to have these niche agencies working together as one strong voice to tell our story and try to get change. Hopefully, it will move those female numbers. If we could get to 20 percent of women in the fire service, that would be great, but it is hard to put a percentage to this. I know I love what I do. It’s fulfilling work.
Where do you find sanctuary?
Easy. Two places: on a golf course or in my kayak. Anyone who knows me will tell you the same.
The goal is to speak collectively about the issues impacting the fire service. I think it’s exciting to have these niche agencies working together as one strong voice to tell our story and try to get change. Hopefully, it will move those female numbers. If we could get to 20 percent of women in the fire service, that would be great, but it is hard to put a percentage to this. I know I love what I do. It’s fulfilling work.
Where do you find sanctuary?
Easy. Two places: on a golf course or in my kayak. Anyone who knows me will tell you the same.
