I'm 35 & I'm an LAFD Firefighter For a Living | Refinery29
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
- Crystal shows us a day in her life as a female firefighter for the Los Angeles Fire Station #14 and what her day-to-day life in her career entails. Crystal is one of over 100 women in the Los Angeles Fire Department. Watch to see how Crystal makes a living as a female firefigher.
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For A Living documents extraordinary women thriving within unique careers. From the salary they earn to the most unexpected task they perform at work, we learn the ins and outs of life for these women dominating in their field.
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Great job proud of you. I did 26 years as a firefighter. Great job keep up the hard work.
My dad was LAFD for 36 years. To give you context to what I seen growing up. I’m 41 years old, and I seen him going into the first interstate bank during a bomb scare that was all over the news, dangerous situations where he was treated for smoke inhalation, he was shot at in his rig for 72 hours during the riots in 92. And after all of this, he spent his twilight years and end of tenure in pacific palisades at 69s.
Welcome to the fold, maam. Never stop showing up. 💯
I have my interview in two days for the fire department (in my area) and it’s been a rigorous and humbling process (I’ve been at it for a year) unintentionally this video came up on my feed and I have no doubt I’ve made the right decision applying for the fire dept.
IF you truly want it AND can handle the physicality of it, keep training hard and get strong. Some people test for up to 10 years before getting hired, 12 months is just a speed bump. Most important, you want to be hired because you are highly qualified, not because you are female.
hero
Best of successes on your career path! I know you got this!! Keep training and keep at it! 🥰😊
Can you pick up and carry a 200lb man or drag a 200lb man? All you’re gonna do is put people’s lives in danger and make it harder for the real firefighters (your male coworkers) to do their jobs. This is reality.
Remember, just because you want to do something, doesn't mean your cut out for it. This career isn't for everyone, and also can't be done by everyone.
I'm happy to hear at 4:17 that the she does not feel excluded or uncomfortable in her troop, she deserves nothing less. Thank you for your courage and service
Yea...until she has to drag another 200 pound firefighter out of a bad situation and she cant do it.
@@gtrdxz I'd think that they'd train for those kind of situations, and even more so for those who may find it initially difficult.
I tell my daughter to work twice as hard at somthing she's not good at and I'd hate for her to think, because she is a woman, that she isnt enough for somthing.
I'm just saying, your right that females have a physical disadvantage, but there's a reason this lady is a firefighter; for her training and courage she is fit for the job. Stay positive partner, I'm sure they hired her because she is capable.
@@Your_dads_account She is enough for something for the things shes enough for. There's no need to make her think she can climb Mt. Everest if it's really that much of a struggle either. Focusing on your weaknesses is one thing. But your weaknesses should be little tweaks that you know you're capable of but just haven't gotten to them yet. Not things that are completely beyond you. That's delusion.
@@Optim40 its unfortunate that youll continue to have this belief until a woman comes along and saves your life someday in a housefire. As someone who works in a fire department, women and men firefighters are both trained to the same level of physical capability and perform under the same levels of stress and adrenaline. The women in firefighting are tested on their ability to carry the same amount of weight as men and the belief that they are incapable is completely outdated. Women in firefighting have saved many lives and newsflash, their gender hasnt held them back from doing that.
@@Gooddaysonly72 That wasnt my point. But let's be honest. The men are right behind her just in case. Cause 5'2 140 pounds just isn't going to cut it. And that's not a bad thing but we can stop trying to sell it. People aren't stupid.
Thank you for doing this crucial job for the public !
Thank you for serving!
Navy here, we practice firefighting as well. The SCBA alone is very heavy. Much props to these firefighters.
Thank you for your service 🙏🏾👍🏾💯
I got to meet her at a LAFD Fire Camp, she was one of the absolute coolest women I’ve met. Definitely inspired me to keep pursing my dreams!!
Thanks for your service and be safe
VERY VERY VERY INSPIRING!!! THANKS!🙏
very inspiring! its pretty cool!
Crystal is an outstanding role model to all and is an exemplary citizen and face of the LAFD! Keep up the great work Crystal!
Difficult,physically and mentally demanding service.Saving health and life is a great sacrifice and a great responsibility.Mrs and all firefightets 💛❤️ GOOD LUCK and great respect !
I wish all the best from 🇵🇱🕊️🤝
Awesome!!
This video touched my heart! I am so impressed by the drive she has. She is humbled, well spoken so strong and just getting started. She will have an impact beyond what she can imagine. I have chills. God bless!
Great story I had a family member who worked at 52's back in the 60's I remember the old seagrave engines I actually took a ride on one in the 60's out of 35's on hill Hurst in Hollywood 82 used to have an old mack you could here it coming blocks away they used to have 4 on tailboard, I lived my dream in Central coast area with a dept there mutual aids were interesting
Crystal is the most beautiful firefighter I have ever laid my eyes on and good for her in stepping into the role.
This is amazing. This popped up as a suggestion to watch and i am grateful I did. Being in ems, thank you for proving that with dedication, hard work, and determination, anything is possible.
Such an inspiration 🔥
Great video thanks to all firefighters around the world for doing their job, you are the best, I am from Moscow and I am glad that such courageous girls work in this field! Well, the fire council from Russia : "Сухих вам рукавов " (dry sleeves)
Congratulations Our Lives Are In Your Hands
91000 dollars is too little for the work they do!
No it isn't.
Go to 2:18. Through time they make 138k. With overtime most average 150k-200k. And there are those who 2-3x that.
@@LunarBreeze Yes!
Exactly!
@@dennisilyaich8319that was 138K for that rank.
You’re so amazing! I love you! Thank you for your service!!! ❤🫶
NICE JOB CRYSTAL! You represent LAFD Well be safe I wish you the best
Way to go Crystal! Representing all of which woman is capable! - The team at the LAFD Foundation
Love it!!
Much respect for firefighters
Hello. I'm in the Navy rated as Damage Controlman. I've been working on Fire Equipments on the ships for the past eight years. How can I apply my experience and what are my chances to get picked up? Thank you and I really appreciate your time.
You should email the recruiting coordinator at the department that you have interest in.
Stay in and retire. You already have eight years in. Cleaning stations needs you 😂
@@Bigdaddyy69 Not gonna made Chief and retired doing cleaning stations. 😂 Reserves is where it's at.
@@shawnmann9491 thanks, I really your input.
My pleasure my friend. Thank you for your sacrifices , and good luck in your career endeavors….just remember that most any fire service member will be more than happy to get you steered in the right direction if you take an interest in their work 🤙🏼
Stay safe and thank you for your service.
Legends on this job, most of them retired or close to it, walked those floors, sat with smokes in that kitchen over cups of coffee. These guys where the old school fire dept and the best to do it. Inside those 4 walls lafd history was made............
Thank you for this HIGHLY INFORMATIVE video. I really enjoyed how this was put together and presented. It was educational and also showed that with drive and determination you truly can get to where you want to be in life. Crystal Reneau is a beautiful woman as well.
She's so gorgeous! And a total badass! Also her dogs are awesome!
Which did you do first? Be a female or become a firefighter? I was on the job for 28 years. I worked with some awesome capable women. I worked with some that weren’t that great. I could say the same for men. Enjoy your career. It goes by quicker than you realize.
Watched a few LAFD female fire fighting cadets training as I waited at a red light by the station headed from dtla to gardena driving local.
These little women could barely handle a ladder much less rescue a person in a physically demanding situation. No discrimination here, just physics.
Getting paid 91k. Simply ridiculous and the government should be utterly ashamed of themselves for letting this happen.
Physics is the science of matter and energy
Pay is not good for LA area nor the risk of the job in my opinion.
Great video and very professional stay safe out there as a firefighter.
Crystal, you're a great role-model, representative and spokes-person for LAFD. Great job!
This made me want to become a fire fighter unfortunately I’m going to have to apply for male fire fighter position but I’m excited.
Female firefighter position would be so much easier.
Congratulations to this Lady, she is intelligent and is an athlete. It is a fact that in my Country ( the UK ) they have drummed town the physical requirements to be a fire person.
Yes we do have front line females on the front line ( actual fire fighters ) but a lot transfer to back room careers.
Amazing story and congrats on being a firefighter. I appreciate your service...
Just amazing heroes
We only make £36k (GBP) in Northern Ireland! Every month is a struggle at home
Overall, I think they are working more hours 72 in 9 day cycle. If you are like us in Aus, then you will be doing 48 in 8 day cycle with 4 platoons.
cops and firefighters get paid extremely well in the states... £36k thats what teachers make here which is extremely sad,, America really loves "heroes" unfortunate teachers aren't considered among them..
She’s so cool🔥
She really is!
How many times did she mention “female” ?
As many times as necessary for us to understand that if shit hits the fan she ain't dragging any of her 220lbs teammates out of a staircase 😂
Every single sentence. Gotta make sure she mentions her gender in every sentence.
Anyone know if shes latina or something else?
dont you need EMT or Paramedic certification too?
Many career departments require at least EMT-B. A few will hire you with your EMR, provided you then enroll in classes to get your EMT-B. Paramedic is preferred, and comes with a larger salary from the start... that being said, enjoy patient care.
Depends on the department.
Bet the wives of the firefighter’s on her crew are stoked she’s there.
Someone's gotta clean those hoses 👀
Yuppp
They don't care they have their own toys coming over to the house during their husband's 24hr shifts.
Such an inspirational video, my 3.5 year old was so happy to see a female firefighter. She's obsessed with the fire department, and now more because of you
Hahaha simply pathetic then. Don't let this chick try to save you from underneath burning debris.
Cue*
I just died in your arms tonight
Admirable
thumbs up
Proof that when you live life on your own terms, opportunities come your way.
🤣🤣🤣 opportunities 💀. is that what they call quotas now?
@@michaelhansen9403 this comment screams privilege. Hell so does ur name 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
@@michaelhansen9403Exactly. Nothing but filling up check marks on the diversity sheet.
Its really awesome she is making a difference but if you can’t carry a grown man out of a burning building be it team member or other it just makes you a liability.
Then she is not making any difference. Only thing that is happening here is the media can spew out whamen power and show the girls are just as good as the boys.
$91k for LA is crap pay for any firefighter.
That is her base pay without any OT. Make up to $138k with OT at her rank.
@@Redtopper02 ok fine. What does $140k get you in LA? 🤣
I guess I'm old and out of the know. @@SNAKEEATER1776
@@Redtopper02Stooge. You keep repeating this comment like you automatically know people are going to mention this.
Shes a female firefighter because her job roles different lol
Different, as in she in no way will ever see an actual fire, and is only there to polish hoses off. That's the only fire she's putting out.
I didn’t know there was a separate job classification of “female firefighter” as opposed to a “firefighter”.
There isn't.
I laughed when she said that. Since she can't be a male firefighter, being a female and all!
EXACTLY. This kept bothering me every time she repeated it. No need to say things like "male firefighter"; "female racecar driver"; "male nurse"; "male stripper"...jobs aren't gendered.
@@kayceem5956 Most of us agree on that point. With her constant reference to that, I am glad she is not on my truck as she is probably soft skinned.
💀💀💀💀 I thought she had transitioned
Had me confused for a minute
Imagine your house is on fire and she is the one who has to rescue you😂 no thanks!
Facts
@@NavUpNorth might as well do it myself🤣
35? Guuuurl! Please share your skincare routine.
Skincare? 😂 To those who know better, real beauty comes from the inside...meaning, if the insides or your body are clean, the outside of your body will glow, or stay youthful. Watch what you put into your body...besides all that skincare shit never worked for anybody. They just make money off of you believing it will...
@@davebro2351awesome!! Now tell us your skin care!
@@davebro2351you’re not wrong! It really is about being clean from the inside out. I’m 30 and I’ve been told I look 25(not sure if they’re being nice lol ) but it boost my confidence
@@davebro2351hoes eat swine and hot Cheetos asking about skin care routines lmaon
@abrilstorms 25 and 30 is not much of a difference lol
She is an inspiration to esch little girl that see's her. A wonderful lady.
didnt they lower standards in training so they can feel empowered? shes like 110lbs (plus "60+ lbs of gear").. imagine her trying to drag a 220lb male out of a window
She can’t drag me out of a fucking window, I’m double her weight.
They must have and that's the reason why she doesn't refer to herself as " firefighter" she said " female firefighter". She's probably very fit but I'm sorry. The thing is even forcible entry which is a basic firefighter skill requires a lot of strength, I'm a former sapper commando and we learn those same techniques. A female under 80kg can simply not generate the sort of strength and leverage required to breach even a standard door.
@@notundermywatch3163 facts
Very inspiring! 👩🚒
In what way exactly?
woawww she is amazinggggg. Can you share some of her nutrition resources?
Humans doing human things. Nice Ty!!
Crystal is so fine!!!
so how to bacome afire faire
They should put this lady through the same strength and endurance requirements as a male and no short cuts or replacement. Because this profession ain’t something to be fair, this is human lives you deal with.
They go through the same testing and training process as everyone else in the hiring process and academy.
In this field everyone brings something different to the table, but all go out there and give their lives for others. That’s what ranks are there for. To bring the team together and put players into position. It’s a field of brother/sisterhood. Sounds like you’re either very uneducated about this field or just being very arrogant. I hope it’s the first.
@@vanessaguerreroo Sounds like you know alot about what it's like to be a firefighter, I sure hope you have experience in this field and not making up stuffs. I think it's the latter tho.
@@vanessaguerrerooyet the physical requirements are watered down for women
Every candidate female or male go through the same hiring process. I'm a female and I've gone through it. There's no shortcuts, trust me. Do your research before you speak.
@@aaa-ez5xw standards are lowered for women wake up and live in the real world
91,000 ain’t shit for the cost of living in California plus they have the highest gas taxes in America
That is just her base pay w no OT. Four years into a career making $91K isn't bad even in LA.
Halloween is in October ladies
Esa chica si está entrenada bien por ella 👍⚓🚒
Interesting they are highlighting the pay
Trying to get more females to apply. CA has always done that.
why do they need more females to apply?@@michaelperkins739
90k is ok because The last 3 years are the hardest but if she pick up ot she can get a 100k to 200k pension for the rest of her life
I always thought it was 24 on/48 off... at least that was my gf's husband's schedule being a firefighter.
@@joydrew1997You missed the joke, didn't you bot?
Respect
Shes beautiful❤
Don’t come to my rescue 🤞
Getting paid all that money to sit around the station and run on bums
I'm sure she has the same responsibilities as a housekeeper.
the shifts are crazy
Are we sure she can carry a man around? It doesn't look she is physically fit to take this job
I doubt she can even carry her gear for long.
@@lescoburandun1457 If we lower the standards, more life will be put at serious risk...
@@ab-xo4yc ya that’s exactly the goal of all this equality and dei bs.
What you putting out ...candles ??
😂😂😂😂😂
Omgg this is actually pushing me to get a career to become a emt
91,000 not bad.
For what exactly? What exactly is she doing that important enough to get paid anything about 60k? There is zero chance she is rescuing anybody from anything dangerous.
Can you even carry out an adult American from a building?
Of course not. This is simply a publicity stunt. She is getting paid inflated money to point out "woman are just as good as men". Total disillusioned and out of touch with reality.
Must respect to her for not taking the easy way and joining a local police department! A firefighter is a much harder profession!
Yeah, either job can end your life on any call, but LEOs are 100X more likely to die from Gunfire, stabbing, or traffic accidents on a weekly basis nationwide.
The physical and emotional stress is about equal, but firefighters have the cancer ( and other diseases) to deal with from hazmat exposure over a full career.
LEOs have cancer and physiological disease from stress, and they both suffer equally from PTSD and suicide. It all comes with a price✌🏻
@@shawnmann9491 exactly brother, anybody wanting to come into LE or FF, and think its going to be a cake walk of a career are in for a rude awakening. Some people are just better sitting behind a desk in an office setting imo.
remarcable and outstanding woman
Brave and stunning all right.
Why such distracting background music??
Wait! She's female? Oh, wow.
I don't think she needs to tell everyone she's a female firefighter. Women started becoming firefighters back in the 80s. The FD I was part of had over a dozen women firefighters in our three stations.
They are still under represented .
@@ronthemogul what do you mean under represented?
lol I agree. It was a little odd she said “I became a female firefighter…” I thought she meant she transitioned at some point so I was confused 😂😂
And the reason that women are underepresented is because they don’t ‘choose’ these careers and they don’t generally meet the requirements as easy as men do.
They should be making 200k for the work they do especially in LA
What does she do exactly? She should be getting paid the same as the girls cleaning off men's fire hoses on Figueroa Street.😅
How much did they lower the bar to let a woman in the fire department?
All the way
Is she able to fireman’s carry a 180 lbs man?
Diversity and inclusion don't weigh 180lbs 😂
Simple answer to that is no
Collecting retirement easy lol
Stronger & Prettier than Chicago fire 🔥 applause 👏
Lmao 😂
Wow, what horrible pay for that area. Cardboard box living it is!
Well, she's inspiring.
I wouldn't mind being a firefighter... until there was a fire!!!
What a cool job im a guy and i think your serving country well🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hahaha yeah, she's serving the firefighters up real well. Bet they say she is a great team player.
a shame teachers only make a fraction of that.. the rich pay well to keep their trusts maintained and protected😅
Took me a moment to realise this ain't an tv show episode.
I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, but as a black man having to shave my beard all the time is an absolute hassle.