Chicago FD EMS District Chief Pat Ciara
Excerpts from the Windy City Times: Pat Ciara, a long-time Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Paramedic and the highest-ranking out lesbian in the department's history, shared her journey of self-discovery and career achievements. "I was a tomboy from an early age and knew there was something different about me since I was seven," she said. Growing up in a time when being openly LGBTQ+ wasn’t common, she faced challenges that shaped her path. Her mother, concerned with societal expectations, often dressed her in girls' clothes and encouraged her to play with dolls. But Ciara never felt comfortable with that. "I didn’t play with dolls like the other girls did. I used to rip their hair out and carry them by their legs," she recalled with a laugh. Despite these early struggles, she found her passion for helping others and pursued a career in emergency services. After high school, Ciara worked for several years before earning her associate’s degree from Mayfair College (now Truman College) in 1975. She then joined a private Ambulance company, where she later attended EMT school in 1975 at Lutheran General and paramedic school in 1976 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Her dream was to join the CFD, and after graduation, she applied without knowing if she'd be accepted. "I had to try, because that’s what I really wanted to do," she said. Before joining the CFD, Ciara ran her own ambulance business, Town & Country Ambulance Company, with a male partner for 18 months. In 1980, she received the news that she’d been accepted into the CFD, which meant ending her partnership with her business partner. "That was tough, but it was exactly what I wanted," she said. Ciara began her career as a fire-medic and was quickly promoted to paramedic-in-charge. She held that role until 1982, then moved up to field chief, where she served for 12 years. In 1994, she became chief of EMS training, overseeing the development of all new paramedics. In 2000, she was promoted to deputy chief paramedic, managing over 500 paramedics across a large area of the city. "I was responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating paramedics," Ciara explained. After 9/11, she took on additional responsibilities in logistics. "When I started, we had to bring our own equipment—blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, even intubation tools. The ambulances were poorly stocked," she remembered. Throughout her career, Ciara continued her education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business management from National-Louis University in 2001 and a Master of Science in industrial relations from Loyola University in 2003. These degrees helped her advance to her final position at the CFD: district chief and director of personnel in 2004. "Without my master’s, I wouldn’t have gotten that job," she said. In 2005, Ciara suffered a mild heart attack and underwent a procedure that changed her life. Though she wanted to return to work, she eventually took disability leave. "I’m still considered an active paramedic, but now that I’m 68, I’m thinking about retiring," she said. "I'm proud of what I've done. Some of the people I mentored are now in leadership roles. They still call me for advice, and that makes me feel good." Two of those who reach out are lesbian women. "The CFD isn't very diverse in terms of LGBTQ+ representation," Ciara noted. "There’s still some homophobia, but things are improving." She was a member of LGPA/GOAL Chicago, an LGBT police and fire association, which participated in the Pride Parade. "The reception was amazing," she said. Ciara never came out to her family or co-workers, though she didn’t need to. "I’m a hundred footer," she joked, referring to her masculine appearance. Her brother Michael followed in her footsteps, joining the CFD seven years after her. She spoke openly about her wife, and both women were always included in social events. "In 2003, we had a civil union in Vermont, and we got married in Provincetown in 2010. My brother was my best man," she said. "Once we were legally married, I just needed to send the license to the pension board to update my status." Ciara’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and quiet strength. Through decades of service, she broke barriers and paved the way for others, proving that identity and purpose can go hand in hand. Thanks, Dan Bulker Feed Trailer,2 Ton Bulk Feed Trailers,Used Bulk Feed Trailers,Bulk Feed Bin Trailers FUYA VEHICLE , https://www.fuyavehicle.com