Forging a Future in Firefighting Chantal Williams’ Journey

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire 

Chantal Williams never expected to become a firefighter. But after serving in the military and searching for a meaningful career, she discovered a profession that offered teamwork, growth, and purpose. Now, as a recruit in Charlotte Fire’s Class 130, she is embracing the challenge of training in a new city, determined to become the best firefighter she can be.  

Originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, Williams, 35, arrived in Charlotte by way of Las Vegas, Nevada. She started her fire service career in 2022 with Clarksville Fire and Rescue before moving to the Clark County Fire Department in Las Vegas. Before firefighting, she worked in hardscaping and served in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Portland, Oregon, where she worked in engineering.

Williams shares a smile after another grueling day of training. The path to becoming a firefighter is tough, but the sense of accomplishment is worth it.  

Firefighting wasn’t always on her radar. But when she stumbled into it while looking for a new career after the military, she found something she didn’t want to leave behind.  

“It’s the sense of family that really drew me in,” Williams said. “There’s constant learning, new challenges every day, and a sense of unity that you don’t get in many other jobs. Everyone is here with the same purpose, and we all support each other.”

Firefighting is built on teamwork, and these recruits—Jerrod Willis, Ryan Rhodes, Jordan Soyars, and Chantal Williams—have formed a bond that will carry them through their careers. Training together, they push each other to be stronger, faster, and always ready.  

For Williams, firefighting isn’t just about excitement or adrenaline. While she admits there is a thrill in never knowing what each day will bring, her commitment to the profession is deeply rooted in serving her community.  

“We’re here to protect Charlotte, but we also have to make sure we all get home to our families at the end of the day,” she said. “It’s a job that requires dedication, trust, and a willingness to push yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of.”

Focused and determined, Chantal Williams listens intently during a training session. Every lesson learned today prepares her for the unpredictable moments she’ll face on the job.  

When asked why she chose Charlotte Fire, Williams pointed to both personal and professional reasons. She moved to the city to be with her fiancée and wanted a department that would challenge her while offering opportunities for growth. Charlotte Fire stood out for its strong training programs and specialized teams, such as the dive team, which intrigued her.  

“I wanted to continue being a big-city firefighter, and Charlotte gave me the best opportunity to do that,” Williams said. “The diversity of the department and the programs they offer really made it my top choice.” 

Carrying their air tanks and turnout gear, Williams and her fellow recruits walk in step, ready for whatever challenge is ahead. Fire training is more than just learning skills—it’s about trust, discipline, and resilience.  

Her time in recruit training has been both humbling and rewarding. Training Officer Alex Gordon, a Charlotte Fire veteran since 2013, has played a crucial role in shaping the recruits, including Williams. Gordon, who has experience in both municipal and volunteer firefighting, understands the importance of molding new firefighters into professionals ready to serve their community.  

Despite previous experience in other departments, Williams approached Charlotte’s training with an open mind, eager to adapt to the department’s methods. According to Gordon, the training staff at Charlotte Fire aims to instill not only technical skills but also the ability to think critically and work effectively under pressure.

A firefighter’s gear is their lifeline. Williams adjusts her mask, ensuring every detail is in place before the next training evolution begins.  

He emphasizes that recruits must meet the department's high standards and embrace the fire service culture unique to Charlotte.  

“I came in knowing that different places train differently, so I wanted to absorb as much as I could,” she said.

A moment of reflection. Firefighting is physically demanding, but the mental and emotional strength it requires is just as important.  

Gordon notes that this class, an accelerated group, came in with firefighter certifications, but adapting to the Charlotte Fire way was key. He encourages all recruits to maintain high levels of physical and mental readiness, stressing that success in this career requires continuous self-improvement.

Williams and recruit Jerrod Willis exchange words during a break in training. Moments like these build camaraderie and trust—essential in a career where teamwork is everything.  

“I’ve had the chance to do things here that I hadn’t done before, like bailouts and working with different types of pumps.”  

Nationally, women make up roughly 5% of firefighters in the U.S., a statistic that highlights the fire service’s historic gender gap. While this reality is worth acknowledging, Williams is focused on the work itself. She strives to meet the same rigorous standards as her fellow recruits, emphasizing skill, dedication, and teamwork over any distinction of gender.

Stepping into the fire service means stepping into a lifelong commitment. Chantal Williams takes a moment before a training evolution, mentally preparing for the work ahead.  

“At the end of the day, we all wear the same name on our backs. We’re all here for the same reason,” she said.  

Williams’ journey to Charlotte Fire is one of determination and purpose. From her military background to her firefighting experience in Tennessee and Nevada, every step has prepared her for this moment.  

As she continues her training, she remains committed to the ideals that brought her to the fire service in the first place—a passion for learning, a commitment to her community, and the desire to be part of something bigger than herself.

Chantal Williams prepares for the next phase of training, her gear worn and ready. Firefighting is more than just physical endurance—it’s about preparation, focus, and trust in the team around you. 

If you’re ready to take on the challenge and join Charlotte Fire, learn more about the application process here:

CHARLOTTE FIRE INTEREST CARD