It was a morning of rarities at the Renton Municipal Airport this past Monday morning. Renton Regional Fire Authority (Renton RFA)’s Engine 313 crew arrived to find a plane carrying two occupants upside down on the runway. The crew quickly jumped into action; however, it was the composition of this team that echoed the uncommon nature of the incident-Engine 313’s crew was comprised of all female firefighters.
Both patients had sustained injuries. Crews promptly treated one patient on the scene, who refused transport, while the other patient was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Amid this, crews also managed a fuel leak, an additional challenge often associated with aviation accidents. Our partners from King County Fire District 20 (Skyway), Boeing Fire Department, and King County Medic One contributed to the effort, highlighting the power of collaborative response.
Renton RFA is a primary response team in a handful of incidents at the airport each year and has only encountered one other plane crash incident in the last three years. Our crews train regularly to respond effectively in all scenarios, including plane crashes. The crew’s professional and efficient reaction, despite the rarity of the incident, is a testament to their preparedness and dedication to public service.
Lieutenant Weaver is a 9-year veteran of the organization and was promoted to her current position in 2020. Both firefighters Clearman and Wallace have served the Renton community for two years. Each of them has helped shape the face of our organization for the better and fosters a positive environment of inclusion for new members. This year, both firefighters Clearman and Wallace volunteered to teach at the Future Women in EMS and Fire event, which helps women of all ages with hands-on experience for a variety of emergency service career paths.
The work of the Engine 313 team today underscores the importance of diversity in the fire service. Their representation of women in firefighting helps challenge existing norms, enabling us to better reflect the communities we serve. They possess not just the qualities of good firefighters, but they also act as symbols of progress towards greater inclusivity and diversity within our ranks.
As we applaud the actions of Lieutenant Weaver, Firefighter Clearman, and Firefighter Wallace, we acknowledge their role in the wider narrative. Their example serves as an inspiration to all those considering a career in the fire service. We look forward to seeing more diverse applicants in our future, shaping the fabric of the fire service, and serving our community with unwavering commitment and excellence.
If you’re interested in discovering more about a fire service career, now is the time! Renton RFA is currently hiring. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.wafirecareers.org to learn more about the process and requirements. We also offer mentorship and support! If you have any questions, visit us at www.rentonrfa.com/contact and let us know how we can help.
