After 89 years of only firemen in the Carle Place Fire Department, female firefighter Jessica Hart brings in the 90th year with courage and determination.

Breaking into a "boys' club" like the fire department might not be easy, but for Hart, it is worth it. "I think boys have more fun than girls," she said. "They live more exciting lives, while girls are typically more cautious. I like action and excitement. I like an adrenaline rush."

Not surprisingly, Hart's career goal is to be a police officer. Her role model is her mother. "My mom was in the Navy when there weren't too many females in there. She encouraged me every step of the way."

Volunteers in the fire fighting departments in Nassau County operate on a willingness to serve and participate, therefore there is no examination, written or physical, explained Robert Lincoln, chief instructor of the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, which trains firefighters for the 71 departments in the county.

Lincoln also explained that women in volunteer departments are able to function as well as men. "In the volunteer fire service we determine each individual's capability, both men and women, and utilize them accordingly. On the other hand, a career fire department such as the one in New York City, establishes both written and physical criteria which are used for ranking on a list that is used for hiring. In my experience, women who join the fire service today are physically fit and able to do the job."

"Jessica has adapted well so far," said Fire Chief James Mezey Jr. "We are hoping that she will continue to live up to the high standards and goals we have set for all our members."

The 18-year-old Nassau Community College student said she has no qualms about going where no woman has gone before. "Girls seeking non-traditional jobs or roles should not be discouraged. If that is what they want, they should go for it, no matter what anyone says," she said.

Hart mentioned that women have joined many other fire departments on Long Island. "It's nice to see Carle Place keeping up with the times."

Hart will attend Fire School beginning April 29, where she will be given the experience of finding her way in a smoke-filled room, and helping to put out a fire that has deliberately been set in a building. Currently, she goes on calls, although, she admits medical calls are most common. Still, she relayed an experience in which her being a female was actually a benefit. "We recently had a situation where a lady was having an asthma attack. She had just come out of the shower, and was naked under her towel. She definitely felt more comfortable having me there."

Reactions to Hart's presence in the department have been mixed, she said. "Some of the older men think that a girl shouldn't be in the department. They are more old-fashioned that way. But the younger guys are telling me to bring in some of my girl friends."

"I'm not as strong as the guys," Hart said, "but I think I can do everything else just as well. It is a challenge that I am very excited about."