Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 8, 1993 TAG: 9305080275
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CAROLYN CLICK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's when the 22-year-old bank teller knew she would have to postpone her dream of becoming a Roanoke firefighter.
"This makes me so mad," said an anguished Mann, as she iced down her aching leg.
For years, she has nursed the idea of following in the footsteps of her grandfather, fire chief for 29 years in the Wise County town of Coeburn, and of her uncles who had made fighting fires a family tradition.
Never mind that she would also make history if she broke the gender barrier and became the first woman to join the 245-member department.
She was one of five women and about 170 men competing Friday in the department's annual physical endurance and agility test. It is a grueling effort, requiring applicants to show the kind of strength they could muster if they had to grab a heavy fire hose and race into a burning building.
Only one woman, Deneen Adams, cleared all the hurdles, including a daunting mile-and-a-half run that had to be completed in 12 minutes.
"Once you get the running over with, everything is a breeze," said Adams, 28, who, among other things, successfully walked a 20-foot balance beam with a fire hose in tow and hoisted a hose up three flights of stairs.
Except for Mann, who could not finish the six-lap course because of her injury, the three other female contenders finished in respectable time, all under 14 minutes.
For Mann, the prospect of victory blossomed briefly during the first of six laps around the track, as she pounded home a respectable 1:31 time.
But that effort may have exacerbated her injury and doomed her finish.
"I think I tried too hard," she said. By the second lap the pain in her right shin was growing steadily worse, forcing her to slow to an occasional walk. Her pain was visible as she struggled through the third lap. Finally, she had had enough.
The male recruits had their share of troubles as well.
"Too fat this year," said one, matter-of-factly as he loped off the course. Another grumbled aloud about the necessity of running the course simply to prove he had the strength to be a firefighter.
Being in excellent shape doesn't necessarily guarantee a shot at one of the city's coveted firefighting positions. Recruits also must survive a written examination and pass a thorough background check.
When a vacancy comes open, the six top-ranked applicants vie for the job, which has a starting salary of $22,222.
Although there is an obvious danger factor, "it's one of the best jobs in the city," said Jim Beatty, an administrator in the city's personnel management office and the designer of the field test. Firefighters work 11 24-hour days during a month, allowing many the flexibility to start their own businesses or develop a second career.
Mayor David Bowers would like to see more women in the firefighting ranks, but there is also a sense that the physical standards must remain high because of the inherent risks associated with firefighting.
"We'd love to have some females in the department, not because the mayor wants it, but because it is the right thing to do," said Beatty.
If there is trepidation about invading the all-male domain, it may come more from veterans than the recruits gathered at William Fleming High School.
"If their heart's in it, that's the important part," said Keith Holt, a 29-year-old Roanoke resident who is so keen on becoming a firefighter he is participating in 14 field tests around the state. He already has passed seven.
The female applicants understand that the all-male crew would have to make some changes when one of them makes it.
"They have to change their sleeping quarters . . . and they have to worry . . . about sexual harassment," said Beth Firestone, a volunteer firefighter in Troutville.
Change is likely, however. Firestone, who was slowed this year by the flu, passed the entire course a year ago - but at 19 was too young to qualify. But she and Mann vowed to be back the next time the test is given.
"You be out here next year and you'll see me do it," Mann said.
by CNB