5 minute read
Board Member Spotlight: Cargill Fort Dodge: A decade in the making
City Connect FORT DODGE
THE WOMEN OF PUBLIC SAFETY
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According to the FBI, females made up 27.2% of the total number of law enforcement employees in 2019. Only 12.8% of all officers were female, while 59.9% of civilian employees were female. The National Fire Protection Association reports that 4.2% of the estimated 358,000 individuals employed as career firefighters in 2019 were female. 35% of newly-licensed emergency medical technicians in 2017 were females, while only 23% of newly-licensed paramedics were females.
In the male-dominated public safety world, these women have established their careers in Fort Dodge and we’re so thankful to have them as part of the team. Here’s just a little bit about what they have to say about the roles they play in our community:
SHEANELLE ROSE
PARAMEDIC, FORT DODGE FIRE RESCUE
Why did you decide to become a paramedic?
I decided to become a paramedic because I have a love for adrenaline and helping people. There is no better way to experience both than leading intensely stressful situations when people need it the most.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a paramedic is the constant wealth of knowledge that we are challenged to know. This world we live in, especially in medicine, is ever-changing and we are required to keep up with the times despite some of the things we may have originally been taught in school. I also am very fortunate to say one of the best parts of my job is getting to work alongside some pretty amazing people at the fire department that make most days of “work” seem more like “opportunities”.
What would you say to other women who may want to do what you do in the future?
I would tell any female looking or considering a career in public safety to 100% GO FOR IT! I believe my job is the scariest, most exciting, beautifully stressful, yet most rewarding position to hold. Even though public safety has historically been male dominant, females can bring a lot to the table in many different ways that make people’s worst days not seem so cloudy.
TAYLOR EGESDAL
PARAMEDIC, FORT DODGE FIRE RESCUE
Why did you decide to become a paramedic?
I did not know I was going to be a Paramedic; it was never my “dream” I planned on becoming a lawyer or a chiropractor, but after taking the EMT class, I fell in love with EMS. I love that it is constantly changing, and you never really know what is next!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a paramedic is the constant wealth of knowledge that we are challenged to The best part of my job is when I can make someone else’s day a little bit better. I love getting to meet new people and hear their stories!
What would you say to other women who may want to do what you do in the future?
My best piece of advice is to follow your heart. It is not easy to work in public safety, it is extremely stressful at times, but it is such a rewarding career!
DETECTIVE, FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Why did you decide to become a police officer?
I had a strong desire to have a meaningful impact on the community. I also liked the variety of roles that law enforcement has. There is nothing monotonous with no two days being the same.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being able to interact with all kinds of people in a variety of ways.
What would you say to other women who may want to do what you do in the future?
Follow that dream and do whatever it takes to make it happen. The result will be so fulfilling! Find the people who will support you through the process and hold onto them.
BRANDI WEBB
IDENTIFICATION TECHNICIAN, FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
What was the path you took to the position you’re currently working in?
I originally went to college to become a teacher because I genuinely wanted to work with and impact others in a positive way. As I continued my education, I took that core value of wanting to help and impact others and transitioned it into the criminal justice field. I started as a 911 dispatcher where I was directly helping people in some of the most vulnerable times in their life whether it be by sending them medical, fire rescue, or law enforcement assistance. I love being a 911 dispatcher and I still do dispatch when needed. Before I became the evidence/ identification technician, there was a police captain that was the evidence custodian. Once I was hired as the evidence custodian, I expressed interest in working alongside our professionals in law enforcement by assisting them in crime scene investigations. I attended and completed both the basic and advanced CSI schools hosted by the Iowa IAI. While in this position, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime Scene Investigation from Purdue University Global. I also have attended and completed various on-the-job training in crime scene investigation and other evidence development and documentation training with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations Crime Laboratory and Council Bluffs Police Department.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I would say my favorite thing about working in this position is that in this profession, there is always an opportunity to learn. I am always learning whether it be from the crime scene itself or from law enforcement professionals within our local agencies as well as from agencies hours away.
What would you say to other women who may want to do what you do in the future?
What I would say to other women interested in my position is not to be hesitant to reach out to the professionals that are currently working in the field and ask questions. We have so many wonderful men and women working in this field who have so much knowledge in different areas that will benefit anyone who wishes to be in criminal justice.
