Excerpts from the Windy City Times:
"I’ve always identified as someone who wasn’t quite fitting the mold," said Pat Ciara, a trailblazer in the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). She's the highest-ranking openly LGBTQ+ paramedic in the department's history. From a young age, Ciara leaned toward traditionally ‘boyish’ interests, even though her mom tried to steer her toward more ‘girly’ activities. 'I never played with dolls the way others did,' she recalled. 'Instead, I’d tear their hair off or drag them around by their legs.' It was clear early on that Ciara was destined for something different.
After finishing high school, Ciara spent several years working various jobs before enrolling at Mayfair College (now Truman College), where she graduated in 1975 with an associate’s degree. Her journey into emergency services began shortly afterward. 'I worked for a private ambulance company post-graduation and took EMT classes in 1975 at Lutheran General Hospital. The following year, I attended paramedic school at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood,' she explained. 'Once I finished paramedic school, I applied to join the CFD—it was something I had to do, even if I wasn’t sure they'd accept me.'
'Before joining the CFD full-time, I actually ran my own ambulance service with a straight male partner named Gerry,' Ciara continued. 'We started Town & Country Ambulance Company in 1978. But once I got the acceptance letter from the CFD in February 1980, I knew this was where I belonged. I had to let Gerry know our partnership had to end.' And just like that, Ciara made the leap into a career that would define her life.
At the CFD, Ciara started as a fire-medical technician. Within eight months, she was promoted to paramedic-in-charge, a position she held until 1982. Then, she moved up to field chief—a role she excelled in for the next 12 years. In 1994, Ciara was promoted again, this time to chief of EMS training. 'As chief, I oversaw all the new paramedics being brought into the department,' she said. 'I ensured they received proper training and were ready for everything the job demanded.'
Her upward trajectory didn’t stop there. In 2000, Ciara became the deputy chief paramedic, overseeing Field Division One, which covered everything from the lakefront to O’Hare Airport. She managed over 500 paramedics during her tenure, a responsibility she cherished until the events of September 11th shifted her focus to logistics within the paramedic division.
During her time at the CFD, Ciara also pursued further education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from National-Louis University in 2001 and completed a Master of Science in Industrial Relations at Loyola University in 2003. These degrees opened doors that led to her ultimate promotion in 2004 to district chief and director of personnel. 'Without my master’s degree, I wouldn’t have been considered for that role,' she reflected. As district chief, Ciara handled personnel matters such as retirements, hiring, and medical evaluations for injured employees.
In 2005, Ciara suffered a mild heart attack, underwent treatment, and eventually returned to work. However, after multiple attempts to resume her duties, she decided to take disability payments instead. "I'm still listed as an active paramedic," she noted, "but at 68, I’m considering officially retiring soon." Reflecting on her career, Ciara expressed immense pride in her achievements. "Many of the people I trained are now in leadership roles," she said. "They still reach out for advice, and that fills me with joy."
Despite her success, Ciara acknowledges that the CFD has been slow to embrace LGBTQ+ representation. "There aren't many of us," she admitted. "Homophobia still exists in certain corners." Even so, Ciara found support through her involvement with LGPA/GOAL Chicago, an LGBTQ+ organization for police and fire personnel. The group participates annually in the Pride Parade, receiving warm receptions from attendees.
"I never formally came out to anyone at the department," Ciara added. "But honestly, I didn’t need to. People knew—it’s hard to hide when you’re as butch as I am." Interestingly, her brother Michael followed in her footsteps, joining the CFD seven years after her.
During her career, Ciara naturally discussed her personal life with colleagues. Both she and her wife were always warmly invited to social gatherings. Their relationship deepened over the years, culminating in a civil union in Vermont in 2003 and a marriage ceremony in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in 2010. "Since we were already legally married, updating my status with the firefighters' pension board was straightforward," Ciara remarked.
Thanks, Dan!
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