Rachael Staebell is a 20 year veteran of the American fire service and President of Women in Fire, with a career spanning frontline emergency response, leadership, training, mentorship and advocacy.
Staebell began working as an EMT in 2000 and went on to become the first paid, full time female firefighter for the City of Fountain, Colorado. She later joined Colorado Springs Fire Department, where she served as a firefighter, paramedic and Lieutenant.
Throughout her operational career, teamwork has been central to her approach. Drawing on her early experiences in team sport, Staebell has focused on creating environments where firefighters feel valued for the individual strengths they bring to their department and community.
Leadership at Women in Fire
Staebell has held several leadership positions within Women in Fire, including Functional Trustee, Secretary Treasurer, Second Vice President and Vice President, before becoming President.
Her work focuses on supporting and empowering firefighters through training, advocacy and networking. She leads Hands On Training at conferences and works with organisations including FEMA, USFA, Science to the Station and national fire organisations.
Building inclusive fire departments
Staebell advocates practical approaches to inclusion, including appropriately fitting equipment and uniforms, suitable station facilities, support for caregivers, effective training and respectful workplace cultures.
She also speaks about creating psychologically healthy, high performing fire departments. Her approach places leadership, teamwork, individual development and respect at the centre of organisational culture.
Staebell mentors firefighters from multiple states, participates in recruitment and inclusivity panels and contributes to youth fire academies and conferences.
Her work now combines leadership development, mentorship and culture change, with an emphasis on creating fire service environments in which firefighters have the resources, opportunities and support required to develop their careers.
