The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal was presented "Making a Difference" Award by the Ohio Women's Policy And Research Commission at a recent Statehouse ceremony. The award was accepted by Director of Commerce Gary C. Suhadolnik and Washington Township Emergency Services Chief Beth Nevel.

The award, which promotes women's equality, recognized the Division of State Fire Marshal's "Can You Take The Heat?" program. On October 24, 1998, 22 women from across Ohio participated in this one-day training event. The event gave women interested in the fire service the opportunity to experience hands on firefighting exercises at the State Fire Academy.

"It is an honor to be recognized for a program that has helped advance the cause of equal opportunity for all women," said Director Suhadolnik. "Not only are we helping women succeed in the fire service profession, but also helping fire services statewide recognize that there is a larger pool of qualified individuals."

The "Can You Take The Heat?" event was formed when a committee of women from all across Ohio called "Ohio Women Firefighters" came together to help in the recruitment and retention of women in the fire service.

"I hope that the 'Making A Difference' Award will encourage more women to explore the opportunities that exist in the fire service," said Fire Chief Beth Nevel. "Firefighting is no longer just a man's profession."

Due to the success of last year's program, two "Can You Take The Heat" days have been scheduled for 1999. For information on the 1999 program, contact Chris Schultz at 1-800/FIRELINE, a toll free service provided by Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and the National Volunteer Fire Council.

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