This past Saturday, the City of South San Francisco Police and Fire Departments welcomed women from around the Bay Area for an interactive Women in Public Safety Workshop, offering a firsthand look at careers in law enforcement and fire service.
Held over the course of a half-day program at the Police Department, participants engaged in a series of hands-on and informational sessions designed to demystify the hiring process and highlight the realities and rewards of working in public safety.
The day began with welcoming remarks from Police Chief Scott Campbell and Fire Chief Matt Samson followed by City Manager Laura Snideman, and Councilmember Flor Nicolas, who shared insights on the City’s commitment to serving the community and creating more opportunities for women in public safety roles.
Attendees then gained a clear understanding of the application and testing process, including an overview of written exams, physical agility requirements, and what to expect during academy training, as well as a brief overview on the benefits of working for South San Francisco specifically.
The workshop also included a panel featuring Detectives Kathleen Walsh and Diana Quintero, Firefighter Paramedic Allison Tullo, and our newest Fire recruit Katyann Pudewell. Each of the women shared their personal journeys into public safety, spoke candidly about challenges they’ve faced, and offered advice to those considering the field. Their stories provided an honest and encouraging look at what it means to serve and succeed in these roles.
Participants also got a peek at interview sessions, where they received practical tips and real-time feedback from experienced staff on how to present themselves during the hiring process. These sessions helped build confidence and gave attendees a better sense of what agencies are looking for in candidates.
The experience continued with guided tours of Police and Fire vehicles and equipment.
To round out the day, participants had the opportunity to preview elements of the basic police academy physical agility course at the College of San Mateo, allowing them to experience firsthand the physical demands of the job in a supportive and encouraging setting.
Throughout the workshop, the focus remained clear: the City of South San Francisco is committed to creating access and encouraging more women to explore meaningful careers in public safety in South City.
The City of South San Francisco is proud to host events like this that open doors and strengthen the connection between public safety professionals and the community they serve.
Learn More and Stay Connected
Interested in future opportunities to learn more or get involved?