Women Who Inspire Us

National Women’s History Month:
Honoring Women in Public Service and Government

Written by: Juliana Weiss, Intern
Josephine Smith of FDNY Division 39

Josephine Smith of FDNY Division 39

Josephine Smith on Answering the Call

Josephine Smith, current member of the FDNY, and the only woman in in her division, is redefining the idea of the typical New York City Firefighter. When asked what inspired her to become a firefighter, Smith recalled: “My whole life I wanted to be a firefighter. My whole life it was a passion.” A passion made even stronger after the tragic death of her father, Kevin J. Smith of the FDNY, during 9/11: “[it] definitely inspired me more; to make sure I got on the job.” Smith wanted to be like her dad, upholding her father’s legacy was and always will be important to Smith. It is a source of inspiration for her, just as she is a source of inspiration for young women throughout New York City.

IMG_6118

Due to a lack of female firefighters, “many women didn’t know there were women firefighters.” But, when Smith goes to work, she is able to show them that nothing is impossible, “If I can do it, you can do it.” Women who see Smith at work are constantly awed and inspired by her, “women will come up to me when I’m at work,” laughs Smith, who likes to encourage such women, and any other women interested in firefighting, to pursue their interest.

Josephine Smith ran with Team Answer the Call at the TCS NYC Marathon

Josephine Smith ran with Team Answer the Call in the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon

Being a firefighter is a tough job, but Smith loves it: “I think about everything; it all is amazing.” No matter how tired she gets, Smith remains thankful that she achieved her goal of becoming a firefighter, a goal which the Benefit Fund helped to make possible: “You go to work and you smile; being thankful that you’re there.” Smith remains thankful to the Benefit Fund for helping her family, she is particularly thankful that her father’s legacy will never be forgotten. Her presence at events such as the Annual Gala and Kickoff Events, as well as running in the Answer the Call TCS NYC Marathon team are just some of the ways Smith likes to gives back.

Josephine Smith at the 2015 Answer the Call Gala Event

Josephine Smith at the 2015 Answer the Call Kickoff Event

Smith’s success story is well known; however, her story is not finished. Every day Smith’s message reaches more young women in New York City who witness her in action, talk to her, or notice the lone female firefighter among the men of FDNY Division 39. Perhaps even new, future, or current younger fellow beneficiaries will be inspired by her. Smith’s presence and her ability to do what she loves assures all women that: “Anything you put your mind and your heart to, it’s possible. It’s absolutely possible.”

2 Comments on “Women Who Inspire Us

  1. Theresa Giammona says:

    Awesome article about an amazing Woman!! So proud of you, Josephine!

  2. Eddie B. says:

    Josie, you are an inspiration to other women and you are making your dad proud. I knew your dad and worked with him on a ton of haz-mat projects. We taught classes all over the East Coast. He’s watching you grow every day. I am glad that you have his pride integrity and honor to serve the city like he did. He was a great guy. The last time I saw him was in 1986 when I retired. I am proud that you are following in his footsteps. Stay safe.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *