In an industry rooted in tradition and shaped by transformation, Women in Fire has long been a catalyst for change – amplifying the voices of women in the fire service. As the organization bids farewell to its outgoing president, Chief Toni Washington, and welcomes incoming president Rachael Staebell, we pause to recognize two remarkable women. They have led very different journeys but share one powerful truth:
they are both undeniable forces for progress in the fire service.
Washington’s route into the fire service wasn’t a conventional one. With a background in the private sector and academic credentials that include a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and management and a master’s degree in managerial leadership,Washington entered the profession with a solid foundation in leadership and strategy. Her fire service career began at the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office before she joined the East Point Fire Department, where she attended the fire academy and worked through the ranks.
Her continued pursuit of excellence took her through the National Fire Academy, the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute, and programs with the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
In 2009, she made history as the first African-American and first female fire chief for Decatur, Ga. – a milestone that not only broke barriers but paved the way for others.
“Serving as the Women in Fire president has provided more tools to my toolbox and has expanded my personal and professional networks,” Washington said.
Staebell’s path to leadership looks very different. A lifelong athlete and former collegiate soccer player,Staebell’s passion for helping others led her to emergency medical services. Her exposure to the fire service came while working on ambulances – watching the camaraderie and dedication of firefighters sparked a desire to join their ranks. She volunteered with the Fountain Fire Department in Colorado before becoming its first career firefighter.In 2005, she joined the Colorado Springs Fire Department, where she would spend the rest of her career, retiring as a lieutenant paramedic in 2023.
Despite recognizing the importance of growth in leadership and promotion, Staebell put those ambitions on the back burner, along with an immediate climb up the administrative ladder.
She still enjoyed serving on the rig alongside her fellow crews, responding to calls, and mentoring others, especially through programs like the Summer Heat fire camp,where she inspired young women to see firefighting as a career.
Staebell joined Women in Fire in 2009 after attending the international conference in Omaha, Neb.
In addition to the multiple mentors she had in her department, she met board members Carol Brown and Katherine Ridenhour, who she credits for her early desire to join the board andcontinue moving the organization forward.
Recognition + ImpactWashington’s leadership and advocacy have placed her in national spotlights, including appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, and other prominent media outlets. But for Washington, these weren’t just moments of personal acclaim;they were opportunities to shine a light on the systemic challenges and quiet triumphs of women in the fire service.
Staebell, meanwhile, made her mark through direct action and physical resilience.She competed in the grueling Firefighter Combat Challenge and achieved personal milestones, including winning the individual race at FDIC at the age of 40. For her, these achievements weren’t about medals or applause, they were about proving to herself and others that determination and discipline could break any barrier.
Key HighlightsDuring the past few years, Washington has achieved several milestones that both she and the organization can be proud of. But there are a few highlights that will stick with her forever. One such event was the Inaugural Honorary Membership Awards, presented to three remarkable women who have been trailblazers in the fire service. This presentation took place during the 2024 international conference, marking the achievements of Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Alisa Arnoff, and Jona Olsson.
“Being able to present these three women with recognition they deserve but would never expect was such an emotional moment. I had tears of joy as I realized how much Women in Fire has made a positive difference in so many lives,” says Washington. When Staebell became a board member, she worked extensively on hands-on training sessions at Women in Fire conferences. While on the training grounds, her goal had always been to be**“as welcoming and supportive as I was treated when I was new.”**
Watching others learn and succeed with new skills has always been a highlight of her career in the fire service and within the organization. She explains, “I enjoyed engaging with my fellow female firefighters in training while at the same time continuing to develop my leadership skills and become more well-rounded in all aspects of the organization.”
Challenges Faced + Lessons LearnedLeadership never comes without difficulty. Washington acknowledged that one of her greatest challenges wascommunication – specifically, aligning her visionary mindset with others on the board who may have approached ideas differently. She often looked far ahead, envisioning what the organization could become. Translating that vision to actionable steps with a diverse team required patience, adaptability, and trust. As Washington said, she has**“learned to be patient and to meet others where they are at in their thought process.”**
In many ways, Staebell’s challenge may be the opposite. As someone who thrives on the ground level, her focus includes many of the same facets as Washington's,but is also balanced with her personal development, keeping focused on how her growth can help others.
Her strength is in connection – in remaining part of the crew and demonstrating leadership through action, not position.
Each woman faced challenges, but both foundways to lead authentically and effectively.
Representation Matters
One of the most significant accomplishments of Women in Fire in recent years has beenensuring that women are not only represented in the fire service but are seated at decision-making tables. Under Washington’s leadership, Women in Fire solidified partnerships and representation with key organizations, including the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s National Advisory Committee, FDIC’s advisory board, CRACKYL Magazine’s advisory board, and many others.These alliances are critical to shaping inclusive policies around recruitment, retention, reproductive health, and firefighter safety.
Having women at the table ensures decisions reflect the lived experiences of all firefighters.It also sends a clear message to the next generation:
you belong here, and your voice matters.
Looking Forward
When Washington assumed the presidency of Women in Fire in 2023, she brought with her the experience of leading a fire department.Running a non-profit affinity group was a new kind of leadership. Fireground decisions require fast, tactical responses. Organizational leadership, especially in a non-profit space, often calls for strategic patience, thoughtful deliberation, and consensus-building.
Washington leaned into those differences and applied the same big-picture thinking that made her a successful chief. She encouraged the board and staff to assess the broader impact of every decision –not just responding to immediate requests but asking how actions aligned with the mission and future of Women in Fire.
During her tenure, the organization successfully implemented and closed out two FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety grant awards focused on reproductive health, recruitment, retention, and the United in Service education series.
These initiatives laid a strong foundation for Staebell to build upon.
The Next ChapterAs Staebell steps into the role of president, she brings with her the heart of a firefighter, the perspective of a mentor, and the resilience of an athlete. Her leadership style is grounded, hands-on, and inspired by a personal motto passed down from her mother:
“Be whoever you want to be – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
It’s a message that resonates deeply with the mission of Women in Fire. She understands there will be challenges and hardships; the world is always full of them. Staebell says that as an organization,“we will continue to move forward, occupy seats at more tables, and open more doors.”
Together, Toni Washington and Rachael Staebell exemplify the strength of diverse leadership. They’ve taken different paths to the top, but both have shown that with courage, commitment, and community, anything is possible. When asked what piece of advice she has for Staebell as she prepares to become president, Washington said,“Be open. Understand and accept everyone’s differences. Realize that your intent is not always received the way you mean. And remember that you can be an inspiration for others, but they must put in the work.”
As the fire service continues to evolve, these two women remind us that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about showing up, lifting others, and leading with purpose.
And in that, they are exactly the same.
