Harassment Suit -- If A Person Can't Take The Heat, She Should Get Out Of The Fire

Editor, The Times:

In response to your article (Feb. 28) on Seattle Firefighter Marcia Kinder's harassment suit: I, too, am a female firefighter employed by the city. As a matter of fact, I was in the same recruit class as the ``harassed'' Ms. Kinder.

I am sick and tired of women using their gender as an excuse for being ``singled-out,'' ``blackballed,'' or labeled as a ``troublemaker.''.

I know the vast majority of Seattle firefighters would have the same impressions and misgivings about her whether she was male or female. In short, I believe she has brought this on herself.

The fact is that a large part of being accepted by your peers and officers is based on being able to get along with fellow firefighters in the fire station's atmosphere of camaraderie.

Much of this camaraderie is based upon mutual trust - which is developed and nurtured during working relationships with crew members. Respect, acceptance and friendships do not always come easily - you earn them by proving yourself at fire and aid responses and by trying to get along with your colleagues.

I resent Kinder's allegations against Seattle firefighters and the city because as part of the team, she has unjustly accused us all. Female firefighters who cry out about harassment and are so prone to lawsuits are always the ones the media project, creating a negative image of women in fire service.

Marcia should take a look at herself instead of pointing the finger at others. She should feel blessed to work with the greatest bunch of people around.

Kinder states she has been unfairly passed over to serve as an acting lieutenant even though she apparently passed the tests and is on the promotion register. If she has been denied acting spots a good reason must exist.

The majority of female firefighters have ample opportunities to act, whether they have taken the promotional tests or not.

Kinder says ``depression, tension and fear'' coincide with her on-the-job harassment allegations. Is it possible her ``mental anguish'' is due to something other than the Fire Department?

I am not saying that being a happy, well-adjusted female in a male-dominated career is a piece of cake. It's not! Luckily there are enough guys willing to give you a chance to fit in, with a little effort on your part.

Being a firefighter is a stressful career for anyone. If a person can't take the heat, she should get out of the fire.

- Cynthia Endicott, Sumner