Five Black women have made history in St. Louis Fire Department after rising to the rank of fire captain together — a first for the Midwestern U.S. city and a milestone in a profession long dominated by men.
The newly promoted captains — Licole McKinney, Jessica Jackson, Pamela Saunders-Isaac, Elizabeth McCormick, and Cicely Tucker — now join veteran Captain Carolyn Moore, bringing the total number of Black female fire captains in the department to six.
“It’s just unbelievable and it’s a pleasure and joy to share it with my sisters,” Captain Tucker said, describing the moment as both historic and deeply personal.
A historic milestone decades in the making
According to department officials, the St. Louis Fire Department hired its first female firefighter on Aug. 31, 1987. Since then, only 33 women have joined the ranks. Of those, ten have reached captain, and two have advanced to battalion chief.
The promotion of five Black women simultaneously marks a major shift in representation within a field where diversity remains limited. Nationally, studies show the U.S. fire service is roughly 8% Black and about 2% female, with Black women making up an even smaller share.
Stories of resilience and determination
Each of the newly promoted captains arrived at the milestone through unique journeys shaped by hardship, perseverance, and community support.
Captain Licole McKinney recalled overcoming homelessness before entering emergency medical training and eventually joining the fire department in 2001.
“I was living in my vehicle with my two-year-old,” she said. “Now, this title means responsibility and accountability. I want to honor those who paved the way.”
Captain Jessica Jackson said she initially had no interest in firefighting but changed her mind after encouragement from colleagues. She later ranked among the top candidates out of thousands of applicants.
“You have to push doors open and prove yourself,” she said, reflecting on challenges women often face in male-dominated workplaces.
For Captain Pamela Saunders-Isaac, firefighting became a family legacy, following her uncle, brother, husband, and now her sons into the profession. She described the promotion as both a professional and personal triumph.
Captain Elizabeth McCormick said a traumatic incident involving a friend inspired her to change careers from healthcare to firefighting. She noted that while leadership roles can be isolating, having supportive colleagues made the journey less lonely.
Captain Tucker, who previously served in the U.S. Navy, called the promotion a blessing and urged others to persevere.
“There’s room for crying, but not quitting,” she said. “You just have to keep going.”
Representation and inspiration
Beyond individual achievements, the captains spoke about the broader significance of their promotion — particularly for young girls and underrepresented communities.
“We are here and we belong here,” McCormick said. “For little girls — you belong here too.”
The women said their shared milestone sends a powerful message about resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers in public service.
