Lantz Volunteer Fire Department appoints first female fire chief

Kensa Harris has made history by becoming the first female chief of the Lantz Volunteer Fire Department.

Harris was one of only two female firefighters in the department when she first joined 14 years ago.

She says being a firefighter in a traditionally male position hasn't been easy. But it has helped her become a role model for young women.

"I wanna do a good job," she said. "I think being a fire chief in a volunteer organization comes with a lot of responsibility but for me, my focus is making sure I do the job well and make the department my priority."

Harris replaces Kory Orchard, who retired after five years in the position.

Katelyn Oakes, a firefighter in the department, says the decision to select Harris is based on her skills and is a clear sign of openness to change. She hopes Harris's leadership will encourage other women to volunteer with the department.

"It's nice to see a female in such a leadership role and for little girls in the community, especially, to look up to her," said Oakes, "and hopefully we'll get a few more females around here to outrank the boys, show them how it's done."

Harris leads a department that has its share of challenges. Those include recruitment of new members and the need for a new fire station.

"So making sure we stay constantly thinking about what comes next," she said. "Do we have enough members to meet what the community needs from us?"

The department has 30 members. Four are women, including Harris.

But Harris hopes that number will grow in the coming months. A new truck is expected by the end of this year or in 2026, allowing the department to improve its emergency response.

Local councillor Walter Tingley is aware of the problems facing the department and says the community will continue to support it.

"We have staff that'll work with them toward their needs on equipment and whatever their needs are that way," Tingley said.