Take 5 with Jennifer Smith

Becoming the highest-ranking woman in the county’s fire department was not the outcome JENNIFER SMITH expected when she started volunteering for the local rescue squad in high school. But, after loving each step of the process, she now serves as a fire battalion chief with the New Hanover County Fire Department. Smith is constantly looking for ways to improve and grow as a person as well as a valued member of the fire department. Her leadership has undoubtedly saved lives by educating others on fire safety and what to do in the event of an emergency while inspiring others to do the same.

“The fire service is a rewarding career that focuses on serving the community,” says Smith. “This career allows you to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of the people around you. Working in a team is a vital component of the job. Your fire station becomes a second home while you share work and meals with your crew. This career requires critical thinking, quick decision making, strong listening and communication skills, compassion and empathy. The physical demands of the job can easily be achieved through technique and playing to the strengths of women.”

While most people think of firefighters speeding around town to take care of emergencies, a lot more goes into the daily job. “While we still respond to emergencies, we also take part in public education, inspections and other forms of community outreach,” says Smith. “Today, almost all fire departments provide some type of emergency medical response. The field has become increasingly professional with firefighters having at least a two-year degree and specialized training programs. Over the last several years, there has been a focus on protecting firefighters from cancer, improving mental health and resiliency, and creating a diverse work environment.”

Smith specifically is heavily involved in the community in her role as battalion chief. “In the fire service community, I serve on several boards that support the fire service,” says Jennifer. “In July, I will become the first female President of the Eastern North Carolina Firefighters Association. I also serve on the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs as the Eastern Director which will lead to becoming the first female President in 2025. Additionally, I serve as the North Carolina Director for the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs.”

Smith also volunteers in roles where she mentors young leaders. “In our community, I participate in the Scouts BSA program as the Scoutmaster of Troop 1215 as well participate in many events and programs supporting youth leadership in the Cape Fear Council,” she says, noting that Troop 1215 just had their first female Eagle Scout this past month.

As a woman, Smith has an interesting take on the work she does and the way she tackles her responsibilities. “The fact that I am a woman in a male dominated job makes my perspective even more unique and different,” says Smith. “I look at issues through a different lens offering different solutions. My background and experiences as a woman help me bring that unique viewpoint to the job. Women have been making a difference in the fire service for decades, yet women still only make up about 5% of the fire service workforce. When you think of a firefighter, you think of a man. The fire service needs more women providing the profession with different perspectives.”

Smith credits her husband, Mack, as a source of support that has helped her achieve career goals while building a family with children John, Joria, and Sidney. She hopes her achievements might inspire other women to pursue a similar path. “I hope that young women see articles like this and realize that they too can have a career in the fire service,” she says.

Take 5 with Jennifer Smith

WHAT LED TO YOUR DECISION TO GO INTO FIRE RESCUE? “My experience with the fire service began in high school when I volunteered for the local rescue squad. I found volunteering rewarding and wanted to continue it during college. While at UNCW, I volunteered at Winter Park (Volunteer) Fire Department, where I received my initial firefighting certifications. During this time, I also completed my paramedic credential. After graduating college, I needed a job. I enjoyed helping other people and making a positive impact on the community. This led me to a job in the fire service while I figured out my future, but I never imagined that this would become my career. I started working with New Hanover County Fire Rescue as a firefighter twenty-three years ago, and I have worked my way up through the ranks to my current position as a battalion chief.”

WHAT WAS THE PROCESS LIKE TO BECOME THE FIRE BATTALION CHIEF? “I began my career as a firefighter and during that time, I continued to gain certifications and work on a fire service degree. When I was eligible, I applied for promotion as a lieutenant and then as a captain. I served as a station captain for several years. As a captain, I was accepted to the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program, which I graduated from four years later. When New Hanover County created the battalion chief position, I was one of the first ones to be promoted and serve in this position. I spent five years in the field in operations before moving to administration. I achieved my chief fire officer credential and my master’s degree in public administration. Today, I am responsible for the Planning and Administration Division, which includes budget, hiring and promotional processes, strategic planning, data analysis, information technology projects, and accreditation.”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE HIGHEST-RANKING WOMAN IN THE COUNTY’S FIRE DEPARTMENT? “I am honored to be able to serve the community as well as support our staff as they provide the highest level of service to the community. I hope that I serve as a leader and a role model for young women. My mother was that for me, teaching me that I could be and do anything I wanted. I hope that I inspire young women to pursue their dreams and possibly even a career in the fire service.”

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE DURING YOUR CAREER? “I have learned that I like to create an environment for individuals to succeed. I like to inspire and support my team so that they can be successful and develop into a high-performing team. I value those on my team for what they can bring to the table. I strive for excellence and, through my leadership, encourage and inspire those around me to also pursue excellence.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT FIRE SAFETY? “Residents and businesses need to identify the potential risks that they face daily – such as what and where the main fire hazards are in their building, what items are at most risk of burning and who are the people most at risk. Once those risks have been identified, they can work to help prevent and reduce those risks – such as removing or reducing the main hazards, ensuring an emergency plan is in place that outlines the potential risks, and that the right people are trained. New Hanover County Fire Rescue is always available to help residents and businesses with this process, and you can learn more about our department at firerescue.nhcgov.co.