Excerpts from the Windy City Times:
"I’ve always been someone who didn’t quite fit the mold," Pat Ciara, a trailblazer in the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), reflected. As the highest-ranking out lesbian in the department's history, Ciara’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the institution. From a young age, Ciara described herself as a tomboy, a trait that set her apart. "I remember knowing there was something different about me even before I turned seven," she recalled. Her mother, concerned about societal perceptions, often tried to dress her in more traditional attire and encouraged her to engage in activities considered typical for girls. But Ciara resisted, instead finding joy in what others might call unconventional pursuits—like ripping dolls' hair out or carrying them by their legs."
After graduating high school, Ciara worked various jobs before enrolling at Mayfair College (now Truman College). She graduated in 1975 with an associate’s degree. It was during this time that her passion for emergency services began to take shape. "I worked for a private ambulance service after graduation and enrolled in EMT school at Lutheran General in 1975," she shared. "The following year, I attended paramedic school at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood." Reflecting on her decision to apply to the CFD, Ciara admitted it was a leap of faith. "I wasn’t sure if I’d be accepted, but I had to try—it was where I truly belonged." Her application paid off, and in early 1980, she received the letter confirming her acceptance into the CFD ranks. Shortly thereafter, she dissolved her partnership with her male business partner, Gerry, to focus fully on her new role.
At the CFD, Ciara quickly distinguished herself. Starting as a fire-medical technician, she was promoted just eight months later to paramedic-in-charge. Over the next few years, she climbed the ranks, becoming a field chief in 1982—a position she held for 12 years. In 1994, she transitioned into the role of chief of EMS training, overseeing the education of countless paramedics. "As chief, I was responsible for all the paramedics who joined the department," Ciara explained. "It was rewarding to watch them grow." In 2000, she ascended further, becoming the deputy chief paramedic, managing nearly 500 paramedics across a vast swath of Chicago, from the lakefront to O’Hare Airport. Her leadership was tested in the wake of 9/11, when she stepped into a critical role overseeing logistics for the paramedic division.
Even as she rose through the ranks, Ciara remained committed to her education. She earned 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. These achievements opened doors, culminating in her promotion to district chief and director of personnel in 2004. "Without my master’s degree, I wouldn’t have landed that position," she noted. As district chief, she oversaw personnel matters, including retirement and hiring processes, as well as medical evaluations for injured employees. Yet, Ciara’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In 2005, she suffered a mild heart attack, underwent treatment, and eventually retired on disability. Despite this setback, she expressed pride in her accomplishments. "The people I mentored are now leaders themselves," she said proudly. "They still reach out for guidance, and that feels incredible."
Though Ciara kept her personal life private during her tenure, her relationships were deeply meaningful. She entered into a civil union in 2003 in Vermont and married in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in 2010. Her wife was warmly welcomed by her colleagues, and they often joined in social gatherings. "I never formally 'came out,' but I didn’t need to," she remarked with a laugh. "I’ve always been the type who stands out—what they call a 'hundred-footer.' My appearance spoke for itself." Her influence extended beyond her immediate circle; her younger brother Michael joined the CFD seven years after her entry, inspired by her example.
Despite the strides made in LGBTQ+ visibility, Ciara acknowledged lingering challenges within the CFD. "There aren’t many of us," she noted, referencing the limited presence of LGBTQ+ members. Her involvement with LGPA/GOAL Chicago, the LGBT police and fire association, provided some sense of community. The group’s participation in Pride events garnered overwhelmingly positive responses from the public, reinforcing the importance of representation.
Looking back, Ciara remains grateful for the opportunities she seized and the legacy she built. At 68, she’s contemplating retirement after decades of service. "I truly loved being a paramedic," she concluded. "And seeing how far some of my mentees have come fills me with immense satisfaction."
Thanks, Dan!
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