
Are Affinity Groups Changing the Face of the Fire Service?
From Fire Engineering Podcast Network by Fire Engineering Podcast
May 27, 2026 · 54 min · Episode 2298
About this episode
The episode discusses how affinity groups are providing mentorship and support in the fire service without altering standards.
On this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, host Lisa Baker sits down with Reda Bigler and Brian Mike Saylor of the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department. They tackle the misconceptions surrounding organizations like the Valley Women's Firefighter Society and FireVet, emphasizing that these groups don't alter standards, they provide the essential mentorship, structure, and insight candidates need to navigate the profession.
People in this episode
Host: Lisa Baker
Guests: Reda Bigler, Brian Mike Saylor
Topics covered
- affinity groups
- fire service
- mentorship
- women in fire
- professional development
Keywords
- affinity groups
- fire service
- mentorship
- women firefighters
- professional insight
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Valley Women's Firefighter Society, FireVet
Places: Phoenix, AZ
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