In honor of Women's History Month, Denise Pouget, Fire and EMS Chief shared her personal journey, experiences, inspirations, and her take on being a women in an executive role.

Brief introduction of your professional journey:

I have 40 years of career service within the Fire Department. I started as a rookie Firefighter in 1981. I retired from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services after 27 years of service after ascending to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief in 2008. Since then I have served in various leadership roles within the region. Currently I hold a Bachelors degree in Fire Service Management, A Masters Degree in Emergency Disaster Management and I am working on a second Masters Degree in Public Health. I am professionally credentialed through the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a Chief Fire Officer and a Chief Emergency Medical Service Officer. I also teach various leadership classes for the University of Florida.

What are the biggest challenges women face in the workplace and how can they overcome these challenges?

Truthfully, I think the challenges we face in the Fire Service today are related to steering the culture. We live in a rapidly changing environment. The culture needs to be one of acceptance and tolerance related to each other’s differences and what we all bring to the table. In addition, we must strive to be the best we can be and admit there are different methods to achieve service and excellence in public safety.

Communication, coordination and collaboration are the keys to a successful Fire and Emergency Medical Service.

Why should we have more women in executive roles?

Simply because it is a true and honest representation of our population. Diversity will bring excellence to an organization.

What are some of your personal and professional motivations that help you push forward?

Always seeing the optimistic side of things and believing new challenges bring new opportunities. I always strive to leave a place better than I found it.

What does Women History mean to you?

Women’s History is a record of female courage.

Women in history are inspiring to me! They are an example of the hard work, dedication and perseverance that occurred to give women a voice and a seat at the table.