Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Cy-Fair Fire Department's Amy Ramon Named Fire Chief of the Year
In a groundbreaking moment that exemplifies progress, Amy Ramon, the Fire Chief of Cy-Fair Fire Department, has been honored as the Fire Chief of the Year by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. This is the first time a woman has been chosen for this prestigious recognition.
Walking into the firehouse as a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter with an earnest desire to save lives and serve her community, Amy Ramon could not have envisaged that 34 years later, her journey would culminate in being named Fire Chief of the Year. Passion, dedication, and a unique skill set have marked her decorated tenure in the fire service.
Ramon, who has been an attorney and a financial expert alongside her fire service duties, was cited by peers for her remarkable commitment to her role, exceptional team-building acumen, and consistent dedication to her employees and community.
Colleague Brent Scalise, Chief of Operations for Cy-Fair Fire Department, said, "Amy is the perfect example of a fire service calling. Amy could have chosen any number of paths in the private sector, but her love for this profession and its people won out, and we are grateful for that."
Amy Ramon, Cy-Fair Fire Department Fire Chief and winner of the Bucking trends in a predominantly male industry, Ramon's unique management and empathy have garnered immense respect. Nick Buonarosa, District Chief–Suppression, CFFD, attested to this, stating, "Being a woman in a predominantly male profession can't be easy—and leading those men and women the way she does would be hard for anyone to accomplish. She thinks about everyone who is impacted by the decisions she makes, and it shows.”
From her early days as a volunteer firefighter, Ramon swiftly ascended the ranks, eventually assuming the role of Fire Chief in 2014. Under her stewardship, Cy-Fair Fire Department transitioned to a career department, utilizing full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters. Today, it is one of the largest and busiest combination fire departments in the United States, attending to over 38,000 emergency responses each year.
Despite the accolades and achievements, Ramon remains grounded. "I'm beyond thrilled with this recognition," she said, "But mostly I'm grateful: for the frontline responders who save lives, the leaders who give their all, the commissioners who’ve made sure our crews have fair compensation and the best equipment, and the community that supports us every step along the way."
In recognizing her successes, one cannot overlook Amy Ramon's ground-breaking trajectory, as she demonstrates what it means to shatter the glass ceiling in a male-dominated realm. Her dedication and humility underscore the truth that a person's passion truly can pave the path to surprising places.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region. |
