c. 1951-2021
Jackie Jones was the first woman firefighter at the Newark Fire Department in 1981, along with Ethel Goldsberry who was later removed. In 1982, she was the only woman firefighter of over 600! She said being the city’s only woman firefighter was “rough in the beginning. I was not used to the men and they were not used to me. But we have gained confidence in each other which is great.”
Jackie was also the first Black woman fire captain, promoted in 1989, when fire director Stanley Kossup described her as “a lady who has proven herself” and “a dedicated and diligent worker.”
Jackie was a proud member of one of the Five Founding Chapters of the IABPFF, The Vulcan Pioneers of Newark, New Jersey. She retired to North Carolina where she died in 2021.
Jackie, born Jackie Rendleman, graduated from Weequahic High in 1968.
Bibliography
“Woman Accepted as Firefighter” New York Times Apr 14, 1982
“First Black Woman Firefighter in Newark…Passed Away” RLS Media Dec 2, 2021
“Female Fire Captain Named Employee of the Month” Star Ledger Oct 16, 1989
“2 Women Join the Ranks of Firefighters” Star Ledger May 9, 1981
“Newark Swells Ranks of Cops, Firefighters” Star Ledger Jun 13, 1981
“Woman Firefighter is Removed” Star Ledger Jul 15, 1981
npl.org/yearbooks, Weequahic yeabrook 1968