Kat Stickler: Seattle’s First Female Firefighter Dies at 92

Seattle's Trailblazing Firefighter

Kat Stickler, who made history as Seattle's first female firefighter in 1959, passed away on July 25, 2023, at the age of 92. As a pioneer for women in the fire service, Stickler was a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of firefighters. She once said, "I never thought of myself as a trailblazer. I just wanted to be a firefighter."

A Life of Firsts

Stickler's journey was marked by a series of firsts. She was the first woman to graduate from the Seattle Fire Department's training academy and the first to work as a full-time firefighter in the city. Her determination and resilience inspired many other women to enter the fire service, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Her accomplishments were hard-won. In the 1950s, women were not typically considered for firefighting roles. However, Stickler refused to be deterred. She applied for the fire academy several times before she was finally accepted.

Stickler's appointment as a firefighter was met with some resistance from her male colleagues. However, she quickly proved herself to be a capable and dedicated firefighter. She worked hard to earn the respect of her fellow firefighters and eventually became a valued member of the team.

Later Career and Advocacy

In addition to her groundbreaking career at the Seattle Fire Department, Stickler was also an author and motivational speaker. She wrote two books about her experiences as a firefighter, and she regularly spoke to groups about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the fire service. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and spent much time mentoring other women in the field.

Legacy and Remembrance

Stickler retired from the Seattle Fire Department in 1984, but she continued to be involved in the fire service community. She was a member of the National Women Firefighters Association and the Seattle Firefighters Retirees Association. She will be remembered as a courageous and determined woman who helped to break down barriers and paved the way for women in the fire service. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.