The City recently announced that Reserve Firefighter Sarah Mitre-Hall has been promoted to full time firefighter for the organization. She is believed to be the first female full time firefighter for the department since 1998. Sarah began her new position on April 14, 2023.
She joined BCFD back in 2020 as a fire cadet. She completed the academy in 2021 and became a reserve firefighter. During that time, “Firefighter Mitre-Hall shared oversight of the emergency medical program and played a large role in the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Program, overseeing the community EMS education, and the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program, putting more than 20 AEDs into businesses,” said BCFD Chief Will Gray. “Full-time openings are very much sought-after roles, and she rose to the top of the hiring process.” She previously held the position of Fire Analyst.
Sarah was inspired to a life in fire service as a teen in Big Bear, CA. when she saw a female firefighter. “When I saw her jogging in formation with the rest of the firefighters outside their station, it inspired the thought that I could be like her one day. I have always been athletic, playing ice hockey from a young age until present and enjoy working as a team. The idea of mixing that with saving lives and property drew me in.”
She has fit right in at BCFD and says that gender is not an issue with the department. “It is my perspective that I have not experienced any additional difficulties that the male firefighters haven’t likely experienced as well,” she said. “My training and expectations have been identical to the male firefighters. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Other firefighters are very respectful and supportive without making me feel like my gender is a factor.” She went on to say, ““What I like most about this career is rolling out on the rig toward someone in need, knowing that I am going to make a positive impact in someone’s life. That sense of purpose and responsibility align with what I feel is my calling, and I want to make a positive impact in our community,” she said. “I enjoy being with the crew. The camaraderie that comes with the 48 hour shifts of working, training, exercising, laughing, sharing meals, connecting with the community and helping to protect people’s lives and property add a level of job satisfaction beyond anything I have experienced before. I am honored to be a part of the Boulder City Fire Department.”
Sarah’s hiring was welcomed by Taylour Tedder, City Manager. “Unfortunately, we often lose recruits to jobs in neighboring communities, where they employ far more staff,” said Tedder. “The department has made a commitment to hiring the best of the best. After working with Sarah on several occasions, I can say Boulder City is getting one of the best.”
We congratulate Sarah for her success in the fire department and wish her all the best in her career going forward!
