More than thirty years ago, advice forever changed the life of Simcoe County paramedic Sarah.

“My guidance counselor in high school told me that this was a job that women didn't do,” she told Deepak Bidwai, LJI reporter for Simcoe Community Media. "So I said that I'm absolutely going to do it.”

Thirty years later, she still loves her job.

To mark International Women’s Day, the Barrie Public Library held an event on March 8 to celebrate women working in emergency services in Simcoe County.

Simcoe Media talked to women working in the Barrie Police, Simcoe County Paramedic Services, and Barrie Fire Department.

Sarah Berrang, a logistics support staff member, also shared their unique journeys and experiences. Berrang, from the Logistic Support Unit, finds joy in ensuring that paramedics have everything they need for their crucial roles, from medications to fleet services.

Constable Melanie Turner discussed the ongoing recruitment processes, including information sessions and career expos aimed at attracting prospective candidates, particularly women, to roles such as police constables and casual special constables.

Deputy Fire Chief Carrie Clark shared her experience of joining the fire service when women were a rarity. Her journey from being one of the few women in her volunteer fire department to a leadership role in Barrie Fire and Emergency Services exemplifies the gradual but significant shift toward gender diversity in fire services.

Clark emphasized the department's proactive efforts to recruit individuals from underrepresented groups, ensuring the fire service reflects the community's diversity. She encouraged women with diverse skill sets to consider careers in fire services, highlighting the wide range of opportunities beyond frontline firefighting.