Jennifer LaDue and the next generation of female firefighters from Butler Township Volunteer Fire District at training Monday night. From left to right: Karsyn Vandevort, Kamryn Vandevort, Jennifer LaDue and Micaiah Matson.

Jennifer LaDue became the first female assistant fire chief in Butler County for the Greenwood Village Fire Department in 2005 and served for three years in that role. That department later merged with four others to become the current Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, where LaDue now serves as a captain.

According to LaDue, it’s rare to see women in the higher ranks of fire service.

“Times are changing, but probably (women) haven’t been around enough to break through. I became assistant chief in less than 10 years, the chief at the time had been there more than 15,” she said.

There has not been a female chief in Butler County’s history. That could be a combination of lack of interest and the challenges of rising through the ranks, LaDue said.

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