The Seattle Fire Department‘s newest Assistant Chief is not only the first woman to achieve that rank in the department, but also a West Seattle resident. A reception tomorrow will honor Assistant Chief Susan P. Rosenthal – read on for the official SFD announcement about her promotion and what she’s accountable for:

Susan P. Rosenthal, a 29-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department
was promoted to Assistant Chief last week, making her the highest
ranking woman in the Department’s history. An informal reception
organized by women in the Seattle Fire Department will be held Thursday
to honor this achievement.

In her new position, Rosenthal will serve as the Assistant Chief of
Administration, overseeing the Fire Alarm Center, Human Resources,
Finance, Services, and Information Technology. Since August, 2003,
Rosenthal worked as the Deputy Chief of Communications, overseeing the
Department’s Fire Alarm Center where she managed a staff of
firefighter/dispatchers who answer over 100,000 emergency calls per year.
Prior to that, Rosenthal served as one of the Department’s Safety
Officers and as an Operations Division Battalion Chief.

Rosenthal was among the first group of women to serve as firefighters
for the City of Seattle when she joined the Department in 1980. During
her career, Rosenthal rose through the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant,
Captain, Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief.

Rosenthal is a member of the City’s Race and Social Justice Change
Team. She has volunteered as a Safety Chief at Camp Blaze, a national
leadership camp for young women who want to experience a career in the
fire service.