Magazine

Fourteen years ago, Tricia Connolly decided to bring her wildland firefighting skills to Bend and give structural firefighting a try. Knowing that making the highly-competitive Bend Fire Department’s squad would take plenty of effort, Connolly prepared for the entrance exams.

Her hard work paid off as she turned in the highest score of all the applicants on the written exam, secured the top spot of potential recruits and became the first female Bend firefighter hired in the department’s 109-year history.

“It’s super competitive here,” explained Connolly, who lives on Bend’s west side with her husband, son and their Springer Spaniel. “There are some very talented people. I feel very fortunate.”

During her time at the Bend Fire Department, Connolly has parlayed her strong work effort into becoming a better firefighter and moving steadily up the promotion ladder. She was hired in 2000, graduated to engineer in 2005, and, in October of last year, was one of four to be moved up to fire captain in the first departmental promotions in six years.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can to improve in my role as captain,” said Connolly. “I expected most of the challenges this new position of leadership would bring.”

Dave Howe, Battalion Chief of the Bend Fire Department, has been with the department for more than three decades and has known Connolly since she first applied to be a firefighter in 2000. He has seen her rise through the ranks during the last 14 years.

“The fire captain, also known as the company officer, supervises all personnel and activities at a fire station,” explained Howe. “This person is in charge of ensuring a quick response to emergency calls, the performance of best practices on scene, and all facets of station life, from building maintenance and vehicle readiness to training and crew effectiveness.”

Prior to being promoted to captain, Connolly was AIC Captain, or Acting in Capacity of Captain, for five years, which means she was trained to step in as captain during times of need.

Connolly’s path to serving Bend winds through the mountains.

Born and raised in Palo Alto, Calif., Tricia headed to the University of Montana to hone her love of snowboarding, mountain biking and trail running. She began to fight fires seasonally as a Type II wildland firefighter, participating in prescribed fire and other wildland fire operations in Idaho. She then became a repeller (think smokejumper, but with ropes) in Washington state. By 1994, Connolly decided she wanted to attend paramedic school. After hearing co-workers’ praise of Central Oregon, she chose a school in Bend.

“Trish had been a wildland firefighter, and she is self-assured and easy to talk to,” said Howe. “She is also quite strong and fit, so the physical challenge is not a big issue with her.”

Connolly has seen many changes in her role of firefighter since she joined the department in 2000. The job is now geared toward medical and other emergencies rather than busting down doors, dragging hoses and battling blazes.

However, physically strenuous duties such as fighting house fires is still in the job description. Luckily for Bend, Connolly is up for the job. As a test of her athleticism, she has competed in events such as the Portland Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge, where she won her division.

“The biggest change I’ve noticed is the impact of growth in the community resulting in the call volume steadily increasing,” said Connolly. “We are doing our best to match that growth. Luckily, Bend voted in the last bond to allow us to increase staff.”

The next rung on the ladder is battalion chief, or shift commander. They are in charge of the five captains at each station and they ensure an effective coordination for the shift. Prior to that promotion level, the captain will train to be an AIC BC, or Acting in Capacity of battalion chief. An AIC BC is trained in the appropriate duties to step in if the regular battalion chief is sick or on vacation.

“Trish has all the tools to attain the level of battalion chief,” said Howe. “She has an uncommon ability to learn very quickly from her experiences, and she has doggedly pursued training for career development. Trish has a high level of energy and a strong tolerance for new experiences.”

“Those are huge shoes to fill,” admitted Connolly. “For now, I am just trying to improve myself in this role, while looking forward to the future.”

That role requires a 48-hour shift, followed by four days off. Connolly balances her work with the responsibilities of being a mother and a wife. While she is gone for the two days, her husband steps up to care for their son, who is in third grade at William E. Miller Elementary School in Bend. She notes that her successes are made possible by the help of her family, friends and co-workers.

“I love our community and the fact I get to help our community,” said Connolly. “Everyone I work with feels the same way. Making that difference is the best feeling in the world. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”