Julia Massey topped a field of 15 applicants to become the River Forest Fire Department's first female firefighter, a milestone for a department that has served the village since its 1880 incorporation.

Massey, 24, was sworn in at the village board's July 20, 2026, meeting after scoring first on a ranked hiring list for two open positions, the Wednesday Journal reported. The Elmwood Park native is the first in her family to work in firefighting or emergency medical services.

The hiring process required all candidates to complete a written exam, in-person interviews, a background check, a psychological evaluation and a polygraph. After scores were compiled into a ranked list, Massey came out on top and was called back first.

"… Once I got my EMT license, I quickly figured out that I wanted to become a firefighter and paramedic," Massey said.

Her path started in hospital emergency rooms. After earning her EMT license, she enrolled in the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Paramedic Program, graduating in July 2026. She is now training daily at the Romeoville Fire Academy in preparation for her first shift with the 23-member department.

Fire Chief Tom Gaertner, a 45-year fire service veteran who received the State of Illinois Medal of Valor in 2002, said Massey earned the position on merit. He said diversity on crews makes the department better at problem-solving on scene and connecting with residents it protects. The department serves a village of roughly 11,489 people.

"… I hope it shows our residents that the department reflects the community we protect, and that when a young person in this village sees a fire truck go by, they can picture themselves in that seat one day, regardless of who they are," Gaertner said.

The department responded to 2,831 emergency calls in 2025, with 54% involving EMS, according to its annual report. Its roster has grown from 19 sworn members listed in a 2023 report to the current 23.

Massey's training at the Romeoville Fire Academy is ongoing. The department has not announced a date for her first day on active duty in River Forest.