(Photo: Ken McMullen)

By Troy Gillard

taking it in stride

Red Deer has its first female fire captain

Oct 31, 2019 | 9:17 AM

Clare Guse first made history nearly 20 years ago by becoming Red Deer’s first female firefighter. Now she’s blazing another new trail after being named the city’s first ever female fire captain.

“It’s funny because I still feel like the 25-year-old person who just got on (with the force), so for me to be promoted to captain it’s quite an honour,” the 45-year-old said about her milestone promotion that was made official last weekend.

“It’s not a position I take lightly. There’s a lot of responsibility to keep people safe and to keep a heads up for your people.”

Guse has spent nearly her entire career as a first responder with Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES). During that time she says the organization has come a long way when it comes to treating people equally.

“I was really lucky to get on with some guys who were really good to me. They weren’t easy on me, but they did help me and taught me things,” Guse recalled about her early days with RDES. “The department has come a long way as far as equality, but also equity within people. Everyone has different strengths and there are so many different personality types. The department has grown that way. There are spaces for different types of people.”

gathering this monday at fort normandeau

'What have you done?' Elder asks ahead of Red Deer uniting to remember the children on Sept. 30

Sep 28, 2024

Temps Around 0 degrees Celsius

Frost Advisory issued for Red Deer and surrounding area

Sep 27, 2024

Conditions As Of Sept. 24, 2024

Alberta Crop Report: September 27

Sep 27, 2024

“The milestone isn’t just that we have our first female captain. I think about someone joining as the first female in the organization and staying with it despite all of the challenges that came along the way,” said Fire Chief Ken McMullen.

As thrilled as she is for her promotion, Guse’s not spending much time thinking about the barriers she’s breaking down.

“I just find myself to be one of the crew. I don’t like to make any sort of gender deal out of it,” she shared. “I’m trying to downplay it. It’s a great accomplishment for anyone. Just having a 20 year career says a lot, especially in an EMS-based profession. Being in an integrated fire and ambulance service has definitely helped for longevity.”

“She’s got the skills, but more importantly she’s got the respect of the other members within the organization,” McMullen praised.

“When I think of the (Red Deer Firefighters) Children’s Charity and some of the work she’s done gathering toys for underprivileged kids, that’s what comes to mind for me. As much as she is fantastic on the operational side, she really does give back to the community in so many different ways.”

Guse says she loves the physicality involved with being an active duty firefighter and doesn’t see herself wanting a desk job anytime soon.

“Maybe platoon chief when I get a bit older,” she pondered.