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Sister in a Brotherhood: Stories from My Life as a Female Firefighter
Inspiration from a Life as a First Responder
A groundbreaking female firefighter, Cindie Schooner-Ball lived for the thrill of riding backwards on a fire truck, code 3 with lights flashing, sirens wailing, heading toward an ominous cloud of black smoke. In this captivating memoir, she vividly describes these high-adrenaline experiences and the stunned look on people’s faces when she climbed off the truck and they realized she was a woman.
Hired in 1987 by a large urban Fire-Rescue Department in South Florida, Cindie rose through the ranks as a firefighter, driver-engineer, paramedic, and lieutenant. She retired as a captain after 28 years on the force. Throughout her career, she was often asked how she managed to thrive in this male-dominated profession, so she decided to write Sister in a Brotherhood to share her story of perseverance, grit, and commanding respect.
Through the stirring tales Cindie shares about grueling training, hard-as-nails leaders, and calls that ran the gamut from traumatic to humorous, you’ll understand why firefighting is a calling and passion. She shares memorable moments working and living with people who are dedicated to helping others in crisis. Anyone who is fascinated by the work of first responders or who wants to serve will be enthralled, informed, and inspired by Sister in a Brotherhood .
A groundbreaking female firefighter, Cindie Schooner-Ball lived for the thrill of riding backwards on a fire truck, code 3 with lights flashing, sirens wailing, heading toward an ominous cloud of black smoke. In this captivating memoir, she vividly describes these high-adrenaline experiences and the stunned look on people’s faces when she climbed off the truck and they realized she was a woman.
Hired in 1987 by a large urban Fire-Rescue Department in South Florida, Cindie rose through the ranks as a firefighter, driver-engineer, paramedic, and lieutenant. She retired as a captain after 28 years on the force. Throughout her career, she was often asked how she managed to thrive in this male-dominated profession, so she decided to write Sister in a Brotherhood to share her story of perseverance, grit, and commanding respect.
Through the stirring tales Cindie shares about grueling training, hard-as-nails leaders, and calls that ran the gamut from traumatic to humorous, you’ll understand why firefighting is a calling and passion. She shares memorable moments working and living with people who are dedicated to helping others in crisis. Anyone who is fascinated by the work of first responders or who wants to serve will be enthralled, informed, and inspired by Sister in a Brotherhood .
214 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2022
8 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 28, 2023
Sister in a Brotherhood by Cindie Schooner-Ball is a heartfelt memoir about her life being a female firefighting in the United States. Cindie speaks frankly about the experiences that she has being a women in the field at a much different time as well as the ups and downs of being a firefighter.
The stories themselves were very honest and frank which I enjoyed, it’s important in understanding life as a firefighter and women in a straightforward way. It was eye opening reading about her experiences as a firefighter and the danger faced everyday. It’s incredible to risk your life everyday all whilst being told by society and to your face that you are incapable of doing so. It was very inspiring to read about her defying the odds of the harsh training, going through the ranks and working her way up.
The writing wasn’t outstanding but the story really carried the book so I didn’t mind too much. It’s a great way to open your eyes about misogyny and the trails and tribulations of being a woman firefighter!
The stories themselves were very honest and frank which I enjoyed, it’s important in understanding life as a firefighter and women in a straightforward way. It was eye opening reading about her experiences as a firefighter and the danger faced everyday. It’s incredible to risk your life everyday all whilst being told by society and to your face that you are incapable of doing so. It was very inspiring to read about her defying the odds of the harsh training, going through the ranks and working her way up.
The writing wasn’t outstanding but the story really carried the book so I didn’t mind too much. It’s a great way to open your eyes about misogyny and the trails and tribulations of being a woman firefighter!
February 6, 2026
Sister in a Brotherhood: Stories from My Life as a Female Firefighter is a compelling, honest, and deeply inspiring memoir that captures both the adrenaline and the quiet resilience required to serve as a first responder especially as a woman in a traditionally male dominated profession. Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers an authentic, firsthand account of what it means to earn respect through competence, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.
What makes this book especially powerful is its balance between action and reflection. The high intensity moments riding code 3 toward danger, responding to traumatic calls, navigating life or death decisions are vividly rendered. Yet just as impactful are the behind the scenes experiences: grueling training, tough leadership, station life, and the constant pressure to prove oneself without asking for special treatment.
Schooner-Ball’s career progression from firefighter to driver-engineer, paramedic, lieutenant, and ultimately captain gives the memoir narrative momentum and authority. Her story is not framed as novelty, but as earned expertise. The book makes clear that respect in the fire service is commanded through skill, consistency, and character, regardless of gender.
Equally memorable are the moments of humanity and humor that emerge amid the intensity. These stories reinforce why firefighting is more than a job it is a calling built on trust, teamwork, and service to others in their most vulnerable moments.
Sister in a Brotherhood will resonate strongly with readers interested in first responder memoirs, women in leadership, public service careers, and stories of perseverance in challenging professional environments. It is both a tribute to the fire service and an encouragement to anyone determined to carve their place through hard work and resolve.
What makes this book especially powerful is its balance between action and reflection. The high intensity moments riding code 3 toward danger, responding to traumatic calls, navigating life or death decisions are vividly rendered. Yet just as impactful are the behind the scenes experiences: grueling training, tough leadership, station life, and the constant pressure to prove oneself without asking for special treatment.
Schooner-Ball’s career progression from firefighter to driver-engineer, paramedic, lieutenant, and ultimately captain gives the memoir narrative momentum and authority. Her story is not framed as novelty, but as earned expertise. The book makes clear that respect in the fire service is commanded through skill, consistency, and character, regardless of gender.
Equally memorable are the moments of humanity and humor that emerge amid the intensity. These stories reinforce why firefighting is more than a job it is a calling built on trust, teamwork, and service to others in their most vulnerable moments.
Sister in a Brotherhood will resonate strongly with readers interested in first responder memoirs, women in leadership, public service careers, and stories of perseverance in challenging professional environments. It is both a tribute to the fire service and an encouragement to anyone determined to carve their place through hard work and resolve.
January 31, 2026
Sister in a Brotherhood: Stories from My Life as a Female Firefighter is a powerful and honest memoir that pulls you straight into the fast paced world of firefighting. From the very first pages, Cindie Schooner Ball makes you feel the rush of riding a fire truck with sirens screaming and smoke rising ahead. What makes the story even more striking is the way she describes people’s reactions when they realize the firefighter stepping down from the truck is a woman. Her writing is simple, real, and full of moments that feel both thrilling and deeply human.
What truly stands out is Cindie’s journey through a career that demanded strength, courage, and thick skin. Starting in 1987 and rising through multiple roles before retiring as a captain, she shares what it took to earn respect in a male dominated profession. The book talks about tough training, strict leaders, and difficult calls, but it never feels like boasting. Instead, it feels like a conversation with someone who worked hard, learned the job inside out, and proved herself through actions rather than words.
This book is not just about fires and rescues. It is about passion, teamwork, and the deep bond shared by first responders who live and work together under intense pressure. There are emotional moments, stressful situations, and even bits of humor that balance it all out. Anyone curious about the life of firefighters or looking for a story of determination and inspiration will find this memoir both engaging and motivating.
What truly stands out is Cindie’s journey through a career that demanded strength, courage, and thick skin. Starting in 1987 and rising through multiple roles before retiring as a captain, she shares what it took to earn respect in a male dominated profession. The book talks about tough training, strict leaders, and difficult calls, but it never feels like boasting. Instead, it feels like a conversation with someone who worked hard, learned the job inside out, and proved herself through actions rather than words.
This book is not just about fires and rescues. It is about passion, teamwork, and the deep bond shared by first responders who live and work together under intense pressure. There are emotional moments, stressful situations, and even bits of humor that balance it all out. Anyone curious about the life of firefighters or looking for a story of determination and inspiration will find this memoir both engaging and motivating.
January 28, 2025
My husband got me this book for Christmas and I really enjoyed reading this as I am too sister in a brotherhood. Only I'm a volunteer fire fighter who started this past June 2024. It's just me and 2 other women in our predominantly "male" volunteer department that run calls. It's been very informative and inspiring! It's a great read even if you are not an emergency responder!
July 30, 2022
Whether or not you are a first responder (my husband is and I am not) this is a good read. Cindie's story is inspirational, informative and I admire her for sharing her story. Thanks for your service Cindie and sharing your legacy with others.
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June 23, 2025Incredible insight.
January 20, 2026
Great book!!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews