Changing Of The Guard: Nassau County Now Has First Female Fire Chief

LAKEVIEW, N.Y. (CBS 2) -- It seems impossible to believe, but Nassau County has never had a female fire chief -- until now. A 27-year-old Long Island woman is making history.

Heather Senti "grew up" in the Lakeview Fire Department, filled with hopes and dreams to follow in a family legacy.

"(I had) a lot of fun times. I remember running around this desk as a kid. Yes, it's sometimes surreal," Senti told CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan on Friday.

Fifty years ago, her grandfather, Frederick Senti Sr., was chief. Thirty years ago, her father, Fred Jr., held the post.

And on Friday, flanked by her brother, Fred III, a captain, Heather Senti made history, becoming Nassau first female fire chief.

Ever.

"It's a lot of responsibility, absolutely," she told McLogan.

Until Heather Senti's election, in this all-volunteer Lakeview force, Nassau was men-only at the top, and state-wide New York has had only a handful of female chiefs. However, Heather Senti changed all that with a 65-0 overwhelming vote of confidence.

"Heather's as tough as any guy, that's for sure because she's my father reincarnated," Fred Senti Jr. said.

Heather Senti's bravery has already been documented in fire journals and on video, as she's seen taking control and keeping her firefighters calm, safe and informed.

"It's a great accomplishment," her brother, Frederick Senti III, said. "There's nobody quite like her, and not just because she's my sister."

When asked what special strengths she brings to her job as a result of being a woman, Heather Senti said, "A little bit of finesse. Sometimes you just need that female finesse."

As Nassau's first female fire chief, Heather's message to the community is don't think you are limited, due to your sex. If you can physically and mentally do the job, the opportunities are unlimited.

Besides Chief Heather Senti, the Lakeview Fire Department has one other female firefighter.

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