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Purple and rose graphic featuring a collage of five photos of women in emergency response roles for International Women's Day

International Women’s Day is Friday, March 8, 2024. This is a day of collective global activism and celebration to forging women’s equality.

This week we have been celebrating women in emergency response and women in leadership in Mississippi Mills.

Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police:

  • Detective Constable Jessica Faris of the Lanark County Crime Unit

  • Acting Staff Sergeant Kathleen Magill, Operations Manager for Lanark County

  • Detective Constable Meghan Hendershott of the Lanark County Street Crime Unit

The 2024 International Women’s Day theme is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

In keeping with this theme, we posed this question to our law enforcement partners:

How does diversity and inclusion play a role in policing?

Graphic featuring pull out quote and photo of three female police officers in front of a brick building with the sign 'Lanark County OPP'

Here’s what they had to say:

“As female OPP officers, we challenge and re-define what the historic model of what a police officer looks like. While women are still proportionately under-represented in uniform roles, the OPP has seen many strong female and culturally diverse leaders at every rank within our organization. With regards to equity within the community we serve, it is critical that we have a strong understanding of our diverse community to foster trusting and respectful relationships. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, please visit the OPP careers webpage (www.opp.ca) for more information.”

Lanark County Paramedic Service:

  • Breanne Lapointe, Deputy Chief

  • Janice Steele, Commander of Community Paramedicine

We posed this question to our paramedic service partners:

What would you say to uplift and inspire women seeking a career in your field?

Graphic featuring pull out quote and photo of a female paramedic in uniform sitting in the back of an ambulance

Here’s what Breanne had to say:

“If you are looking for a career that is fulfilling, challenging, humbling, and continually evolving, I encourage you to consider the field of paramedicine. The skillsets of paramedics as well as the locations where we practice are expanding and diversifying to meet the needs of our communities and the overall healthcare system. Our workforce is also diversifying, including the number of women within our organization in all roles, including primary and advanced care paramedics and within our leadership team. Becoming a paramedic is more than a career, it becomes a part of your identity. If you are wanting to begin your career or are searching for a new career where you can make an impact on many lives, and in turn have your life enriched, look no further.”

Graphic featuring pull out quote and photo of a female paramedic in uniform standing next to a paramedic vehicle

Janice’s response:

“I can’t think of a more rewarding career that allows women to showcase their strength, intelligence, compassion, and determination. Long gone are the days when paramedicine was considered a male-dominated profession, and women are nearing equal representation in this field. Paramedicine offers many personal and professional development opportunities, whether on the frontlines, providing emergency care, or in educational and leadership roles. A career in paramedicine will never be dull, and the possibilities for your future are endless.”

Mississippi Mills Fire Department:

  • Corey Lowry (Almonte Station 1)

  • Karen McKeown (Pakenham Station 2)

The dedicated members of the Mississippi Mills Fire Department play a critical role in keeping our community safe by continually answering the call in emergency situations, and through their commitment to emergency management and public safety.  

We posed one question to Corey and Karen:

How do you feel your role empowers others in all walks of life to pursue their goals?

Graphic featuring pull out quote and photo of a female firefighter wearing uniform with Mississippi Mills Fire Department crest

Corey’s response:

“As a young volunteer firefighter, I believe my role serves as a beacon of empowerment for individuals of all walks of life by demonstrating that goal setting, dedication, and resilience know no gender. I am particularly grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the Mississippi Mills Fire Department alongside such dedicated and serving individuals. When you’re a first responder, you realize that no matter who you are, the job has to get done, and to me, that’s empowering.”

Graphic featuring pull out quote and photo of a female firefighter wearing uniform with Mississippi Mills Fire Department crest

Here’s what Karen had to say:

“As a firefighter, I feel that my role empowers others in all walks of life to pursue their goals by breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that determination, teamwork, and courage can break down barriers.  By actively engaging in firefighting duties, I encourage individuals to challenge societal norms and pursue their aspirations, regardless of traditional expectations. My presence in this profession sends a message that anyone can excel in the field they choose and others should fearlessly chase their dreams with confidence and resilience. Sharing my experiences and supporting others along the way is important as I hope to inspire people knowing they have the strength to overcome challenges that come their way and that growth often occurs outside of comfort zones. I believe my role is about more than just putting out fires; it's about lighting a fire within others to pursue their dreams.”