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Herrin hires first female firefighter

by ashley wiehle, the southern

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 7:14 AM CST

HERRIN - Thadra Ladd is set to make Herrin history, but if you ask her, she's just landing a job that she's grateful to have.

Ladd was hired at Monday night's city council meeting as Herrin's first full-time female firefighter, a goal she's been working toward for months.

Although Ladd is the first woman to don Herrin fire gear, she said she doesn't consider herself a trailblazer.

"I really just want to be seen as a firefighter and not the first female firefighter," Ladd said. "I've been a little intimidated by the whole newspaper thing, because there are a lot of hard-working guys that deserve a lot of credit."

Herrin Fire Chief Mike Steh said Ladd has already proved herself a worthy firefighter.

"She's been a paid, on-call member for over a year now, and she's done an excellent job," Steh said. "I believe things will work out just fine. She really fits in with the other guys."

Ladd said she has always been interested in becoming a firefighter, and began actively training for the goal over the last year.

"I've always worked out on a regular basis, but I did switch my workout and really start focusing on some of the more fire-specific tasks in the last year," Ladd said.

Trailblazer or not, Ladd said she just feels honored to wear the suit and serve her city.

"I'm very excited," Ladd said. "I really look forward to representing the city of Herrin."

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

(618) 997-3356 ext. 5807