Cover Story - Empowering Sisterhood: How We Band Together for Support and Growth

Empowering Sisterhood: How We Band Together for Support and Growth
By Lt. Kimberly Stratman (Ret.)

In the high-stakes world of emergency response, we, as female first responders, stand as testaments to courage and resilience. Our tendencies have often been labeled as “bitchy, controlling, angry, dramatic” and worse instead of the more accurate “strong, stubborn, flexible, confident.” We know better. Despite our critical roles in saving lives and maintaining safety, we often encounter unique challenges within our professions. Let’s explore the powerful impact we make by joining forces with other women to support each other and strengthen our presence in the field.

Breaking Barriers Together
I joined the Dallas Police Department in 1989. At that time, not everyone in the profession or the community was welcoming, which is putting it mildly. Being smaller in stature, I encountered a range of reactions. Some people were curious and supportive, while others were downright insulting. This treatment and my calm, professional reaction was practice for harsher statements that would occur over the years.

Traditionally, fields such as firefighting, law enforcement and emergency medical services have been male-dominated. As female first responders, we not only handle the physical and mental demands of our jobs but also navigate the complexities of a work environment where we are often in the minority. By forming supportive networks, we create safe spaces to share experiences, offer advice and provide mentorship. These connections are vital, helping each of us feel less isolated and more empowered in our roles.

Enhancing Skills and Confidence
Group trainings and workshops are a core part of how we support one another. We participate in specialized training sessions that cater specifically to our needs and challenges in the field. These gatherings are opportunities for skill enhancement, where we share strategies for handling physical demands and managing stress. The collaborative atmosphere fosters confidence, as we learn and grow together, strengthening our capabilities and readiness for the challenges of the job.

Have you considered attending or even creating a training event for other women? Range Days and promotional workshops are more common now than years past. What other topics or areas of interest could you or a group of your cohorts bring to other female first responders?

Advocacy and Visibility
Advocacy is another significant aspect of our women’s groups. We are uniquely positioned to understand the specific barriers women face in our careers. By uniting, we amplify our voices to advocate for necessary changes in our industries, such as improved protective gear tailored for women, equitable career advancement opportunities, and better support for work-life balance. These efforts not only improve conditions for current first responders but also pave the way for future generations of women entering these fields.

Women of the Dallas Police Department came together, with the support of community members and even male coworkers, to establish Lactation Rooms at police substations. Previously, new mothers discontinued nursing prior to returning to work or did so in bathroom stalls. This is important for the health of our babies, but is also a retention tool to keep female officers on the job after the birth of their children.

Building a Supportive Community
The quote, “Together we are stronger, together we are unbroken, together we can do anything.” - of unknown origin, is clear in its meaning. Social support is crucial in managing the emotional and psychological toll of first response work. Networking events, regular meetings and online forums are some of the ways we stay connected. Beyond professional support, these groups often evolve into close-knit communities offering personal support, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with job-related trauma or needing advice on personal challenges.

While I enthusiastically encourage fellowship with women outside our profession, we can deeply benefit from connection with other first responders. There are times when we do not want to explain ourselves. We just want to feel, laugh, cry and complain with sisters who are doing the same.

A Call to Action
The movement of female first responders banding together is growing, but there is always more that can be done. For those of us in the field, joining an existing network or even starting a new group can be incredibly rewarding. For the wider community and policymakers, supporting these initiatives is crucial for building a more inclusive and supportive emergency response environment.

We are not just saving lives—we are pioneers in our fields, challenging norms and setting new standards. As we join with other women to support and uplift each other, we reinforce the foundation of an essential profession, ensuring it is stronger and more inclusive for everyone who follows.

Kimberly Stratman retired as a lieutenant from the Dallas Police Department after an exciting and fulfilling 30-year career. She and her law enforcement husband have two grown sons and two dogs that get lots of attention. Kimberly is the owner of To the Point Coach, a Certified Retirement Life Coach and Certified Life Coach service that focuses on first responders. Her goal is to ensure our law enforcement community thrives. She can be reached @ tothepointcoach.org