Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Bids Farewell to First Woman on the Team

After 32 years of serving as a firefighter, Pam Foltz is set to hang up her gear for good on Wednesday. Montgomery County Chief Bowers announced her retirement and shared Foltz's accomplishments on his blog.

In 1979, Firefighter Foltz started working at Firestation One in dowtown Silver Spring at a time when the county didn't have policies pertaining to women, wrote Bowers. 

He continued, "At the time, the department had no policy for maternity leave, uniforms and gear were tailored for men, firehouse living quarters and locker rooms were not designed for women and only male grooming standards existed."

Foltz called her time on the force gratifying. “I think of the many mentors I have had over the years, many of them now deceased, and would like to think that they would be very proud of me and where we are today,” she said. 

The community is welcome to bid farewell to Firefighter Pam Foltz on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. at Fire Station One, which is located on 8110 Georgia Ave.