Getting the opportunity to get to know Ms. Lawless has been such a pleasure and we are so grateful for her taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat with us!

Angela Lawless grew up in a small town close to the border of Canada in Maine. Her father was a firefighter and introduced her to life as a firefighter. Not initially deciding to go be a firefighter she attended the University of Southern Maine majoring in business. Getting married right out of college and starting her family, she still felt like she wanted something more. After running her own daycare in town to support herself and her children as a single mom, she started EMT school and was hired by Holliston Fire first as an EMT and then as a firefighter, as just the second woman. After earning her Fire Fighter I & II certification, she applied for a full-time position at Maynard and became the first woman there. 

When asked about any differences that she has noticed or any stigma she faced, Lawless responded in a way that we have come to understand is how she accomplishes so much: it wasn’t a big deal. She was determined to prove herself and nothing was going to get in her way. By not focusing on the differences herself, she quickly became an integral team member of the Maynard Fire Department. How did she do so? By repeating her mantra: I can.

Lawless stated how women bring important skill sets to fire departments that are always found in departments of only men. The natural instincts that women have, specifically compassion, are valuable for first responders. A calming presence, Lawless became just one of the team members, not just the female firefighter. Spending long shifts with the team, Lawless proved herself to be a natural leader and her physical fitness helped her keep up with the demanding tasks of being a firefighter.

An incredible athlete and all-around active person, Lawless values her ability to stay physically fit. It is important for the job, especially because of her need to modify certain techniques that are taught. Always playing to her strengths, Lawless found ways to perform the same tasks and keep up and push the pace of her team that worked for her. Earning herself the role of chief did not come easy, but her dedication and strong will served her right. 

Attending the annual International Fire Chiefs Conference or our District 14 monthly meetings, Lawless does not see herself as a woman in a room full of men, but as another chief in a room full of other accomplished leaders. Her outlook is one that every young person can look to. Pushing through self-doubt and telling yourself that you CAN do it can help lead you to accomplish anything. 

We hope to one day see Angela Lawless teaching and empowering other women at the National Fire Academy, but for now and many years to come, she will continue to serve the city of Maynard. Lawless hopes to see more women get involved in fire departments across the country because they are incredibly valuable to the field. 

We again want to thank Ms. Lawless for taking the time to meet with us and share her story. If you have any other women that you would like to see highlighted as our Holliston Woman of the Month, please send us an email @phoebewernborg@gmail.com.