FDNY veterans talk about sexist culture as FDNY commissioner steps down

WNYC News

FDNY’s history with diversity and inclusivity is getting more attention after Laura Kavanagh, the first woman to lead New York City’s fire department, stepped down after less than two years on the job.

Brenda Berkman won a federal sex discrimination lawsuit as the sole plaintiff in the 1980's that resulted in the hiring of the city’s first women firefighters in 1982. Berkman is often credited with being the first woman to ever serve in the FDNY. Regina Wilson is a 25 year FDNY veteran and the president of the Vulcan Society, an association of Black firefighters.

They spoke with WNYC's Sean Carlson about what they say they experienced in the FDNY and the hopes they have for future generation of firefighters.