VALHALLA – During Women’s History Month, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is highlighting the service and dedication of the professional women serving with the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.
Latimer said “Women in the Department of Emergency Services (DES) are dedicated, resourceful, experienced, and capable. They have played a vital role in keeping our communities safe. We offer opportunities to strengthen our great County by providing opportunities for women to soar. We hope future generations can be inspired by these opportunities to serve their neighbors and choose emergency services as a career.”
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Richard Wishnie praised the staffers, saying “Diversity in the Department of Emergency Services is a major focus to assure that we have the most professional staff available to serve the public, particularly during an emergency event. The women of DES participate in critical roles from leadership, administration, fire, EMS, and communications. I am extremely proud of all of the women who make a positive contribution to the Department of Emergency Services each and every day.”
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Susan Spear said: “During Women’s History Month we recognize the dedicated, professional women who serve at the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, and how far they have come in non-traditional roles. These women are an inspiration every day, protecting Westchester through 911 dispatch (60 Control), Fire service training, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and Administration. We have more women serving at DES now than at any other time in the Department’s history. And we are just getting started.”
The women who work at DES serve in a variety of roles in the department, all designed to support public health and safety response functions throughout Westchester County. They are responsible for answering 911 calls, dispatching first responders, preparing for active shooter situations and coordinating training for firefighters and EMS. DES employees also help ensure safe and efficient vaccination clinics.
There are currently 16 women employed within different divisions of the department, with the most tenured employees serving just over 25 years.
