When Kathleen Hancock joined the Aurora Fire Department 10 years ago, she became the first Black female firefighter in the department’s history. via MicahSmith_TV
“It wasn't until after speaking at our graduation that someone said, 'You know, a lot of people standing here today were waiting to see you succeed or fail.’ And I didn't get it until they said, 'You are the first African American female firefighter in Aurora'. For me, it wasn't about being proud, it was a shock,” Hancock said.“My journey started back in Tucson, Arizona, with Tucson Fire Department.
“I had just spent 10 years in Tucson, how can you tell me, in this big diverse city, I'm the first African American female firefighter? But it also made me know... it's a platform that can be bridged,” she said. “And I've got two others behind me.” “I think, for me, the greatest thing is continuing to learn about myself, learn about the city, learn about the wild, wild calls that we go on, and really how to problem solve,” Allen said. “So, it's just been consistent problem solving within those five years and the ability to have our department grow.”“You have women that have never seen a female firefighter, or have never seen a Black firefighter, and have never seen a Black female firefighter.
“Had a voice message from the background investigator for Aurora that they were moving forward with me in the process,” Simms said. “It’s the 24-hour shifts… it's that cooking meals together, running calls together. And so it's something that attracted me, but also that you just don't know what the day will look like.”“I knew her as the recruiter, right, and so had respect for her right off the bat. And then she became a friend, and then she became my sister” Simms said.
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