Marion names new fire chief

After about three months as interim chief and 23 years with the Marion Fire Department, Deb Krebill was named fire chief Tuesday.

Krebill joins a rare group statewide when it comes to other female fire chiefs, a population she wants to expand.

'It's an honor,' she said about being a role model for young girls. 'I used to do some of our public education and you could see it in some of their faces. 'Wow, you're a girl and you're on the fire department.' Wow, maybe I can do that, too.' '

Davenport Fire Chief Lynn Washburn-Livingston said she thinks she and Krebill are the only women in paid positions in Iowa. Others fill volunteer roles in small departments.

The International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services tracks the data and claims more needs to be done to diversify fire stations across the country.

Laura Baker, president of the organization, said the group's most recent report from 2008 said female firefighters still are underrepresented. The report said females make up 3.7 percent to 4 percent of firefighters nationwide, but the number should be about 17 percent.

Krebill said she was 'welcomed into the family' when she started in the fire department, which was a detour from her original plan.

'I actually had a major in criminal justice, but I found out in law enforcement that no one likes you,' she said. 'I started part-time in paramedic school because I wanted a career that could help (people).'

One of Krebill's instructors was Maureen Boots, the first female firefighter in Marion. Boots told Krebill the fire department was hiring, but Krebill 'didn't know anything about firefighting.'

After some initial reluctance, she decided to take the chance.

'I loved it, absolutely loved it,' she said. 'It was my passion and has been my passion ever since.'

The welcoming atmosphere made her want to stay, but filling a top position was not on Krebill's radar at the start.

'I never thought of being fire chief. You just didn't hear of female fire chiefs,' she said. 'That was OK with me. The glass ceiling was still there. You just assumed that a woman would not be fire chief.'

Thoughts of becoming chief came after she had national training and began to acquire the knowledge and skills that City Manager Lon Pluckhahn said made her a competitive candidate.

Pluckhahn said Krebill's vision for the department made her the clear choice. Her vision is focused on continuing to engage the community through a variety of events. Efforts, Krebill said, can lead to greater fire prevention and deeper bonds with the community.

'We want to be more a part of the neighborhood,' she said. 'We need to attend more community events. ... We do that somewhat now, but I think we could do more.'

Krebill's contract needs to be approved Aug. 7 by the City Council, which Pluckhahn said mostly is a formality. Krebill will assume her new role Aug. 11.