Cecelia Owens Cox (1951-2019) was one of the original 41 women firefighters hired to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) in 1982. She was the first woman assigned to a ladder company and the first woman to become a ladder company chauffeur. She was also a member of the United Women Firefighters and the Vulcan Society. She inspired many women to join the FDNY.
"Minutes of the Proceedings for the Stated Meeting of Thursday, June 22, 2023 held on June 22nd 2023 and June 30th, 2023," New York City Council, https://a860-gpp.nyc.gov/concern/nyc_government_publications/dv13zx43v?locale=en