In 2020, Captain Felicia Barnes (Safety 401, B-Shift) became the first African American female safety officer in the history of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. In honor of Black History Month, Captain Barnes took time to reflect on her journey.
“To give back to the community where I grew up makes me proud to be a firefighter in Fairfax County. It is not work when you have a passion to serve the community. Growing up in Fairfax County, I never saw a black, female firefighter and never really thought it was an option,” says Captain Barnes. “As I learned more about the department and what the job entailed, it intrigued me. So I decided to apply. Little did I know that the opportunities to lead and the variations of job functions that one career would offer would be unimaginable.”
“My advice is to stop being comfortable and look beyond what you see around you. Be strong, courageous, and try something new! Be okay with being unique and different. Join a team that trains you and allows you the ability to excel. It is tough work and takes motivation and support to get through. I am grateful to the people before me who paved a way which allowed an opportunity to serve as a firefighter in Fairfax County. All that I am – I owe!”
Have you wondered what it would be like to #JoinTeamFCFRD? Contact our recruiters at fire.recruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 246-3939 to learn more about a career.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department News 