Female firefighter becomes highest ranking woman in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire

PITTSBURGH — Kari Burnham on Thursday became the first woman to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire in the past 26 years.

Burnham is in her seventh year as a firefighter and works at 17 Engine and Truck in Homewood. She is one of five women in the fire bureau.

At a promotion ceremony this week, four firefighters were promoted to captain and 13 were promoted to lieutenant -- including Burnham, making her the highest ranking female in the department.

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She holds an associate’s degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a Pennsylvania State fire suppression instructor. Burnham also has assisted with teaching classes at the Pittsburgh Fire Training Academy and other academies outside the city.

“I discovered the fire service when I was 19 and became hooked. This is my dream job,” Burnham said.

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