Excerpts from the Windy City Times: Pat Ciara, a long-time Chicago Fire Department (CFD) paramedic and the highest-ranking out lesbian in the department's history, recalls her early life with a mix of nostalgia and pride. "I was a tomboy from an early age and knew there was something different about me since I was seven," she said. Her journey to becoming a firefighter wasn’t easy, especially growing up in a time when being openly queer was rare and often met with resistance. "I wanted to do traditionally boy things, but my mom, who was concerned with what the neighbors thought of our family, kept putting me in dresses and trying to get me to play with dolls," she explained. "I didn’t play with dolls like the other girls did. I used to rip their hair out and carry them by their legs." Despite this, Pat remained true to herself, even as she faced societal pressures to conform. After high school, Pat worked for a few years before earning her associate’s degree from Mayfair College (now Truman College) in 1975. She then joined a private ambulance company, where she eventually enrolled in EMT school at Lutheran General in 1975 and later completed paramedic training at Loyola University Medical Center in 1976. "Right after paramedic school, I applied to the CFD not knowing whether I’d get in or not, but I had to try, because that’s what I really wanted to do," she said. Before joining the CFD, Pat ran her own ambulance company, Town & Country Ambulance, with a straight male partner named Gerry for about 18 months. In 1980, she received the letter she had been hoping for—acceptance into the CFD. "This was exactly what I wanted, so I told Gerry I’d have to sever our business partnership," she recalled. At the CFD, Pat started as a fire-medic and was quickly promoted to paramedic-in-charge, a role she held until 1982. She then became a field chief, a position she held for 12 years. In 1994, she was promoted to chief of EMS training, where she oversaw the training of all new paramedics. "In 2000, I was promoted to deputy chief paramedic, and I was in charge of 500 paramedics from the lakefront to O’Hare Airport," she said. "I did that until 9/11." After 9/11, Pat took on additional responsibilities in managing the logistics of the paramedic division. She also continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in business management from National-Louis University in 2001 and a Master of Science in industrial relations from Loyola University in 2003. "Without my master’s degree, I wouldn’t have gotten the job," she said, referring to her final position as district chief, director of personnel, which she assumed in 2004. Pat's career came with challenges. In 2005, she suffered a mild heart attack and underwent a procedure that required her to go through cardiac rehab. "I wanted to go back to work, but everyone told me I should go on disability," she said. Eventually, she took the disability payments and, while still technically active, she now prepares for retirement at 68. "I’m proud of my work as a paramedic. I really loved the job and what I accomplished. Some of the people I mentored are now in positions of power. They still call me for advice, and that makes me feel really good." Two of those who seek her advice are lesbian colleagues. "The CFD doesn’t have many lesbians or gay men in their ranks because there’s still a level of homophobia there," she noted. Despite this, Pat was involved in the LGBT community, serving as a member of LGPA/GOAL Chicago, an organization for LGBT police and firefighters. "We participated in the Pride Parade, and the reception we got from the crowd was very positive," she said. Pat never officially came out to her family or coworkers. "I didn’t have to because, as they say, I’m a hundred footer. I’m very butch-looking," she joked. Her brother Michael followed in her footsteps, joining the CFD seven years after her. Throughout her career, Pat spoke openly about her wife, just as anyone would talk about their spouse. Both women were always included in social gatherings with co-workers. In 2003, Pat and her wife had a civil union ceremony in Vermont and later married in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on August 28, 2010, with Michael as her best man. "Since we were already married, all I had to do was send my marriage license to the firefighters pension board to have my status updated when it became legal here," she said. Thanks Dan Revitalize Skin NMN 18000 Capsules,Reduces Spots NMN 18000 Capsules,Reduces Wrinkles NMN 18000 Capsules Shanghai Canal International Trade Co.,Ltd , https://www.nmncanal.com