Mary Alice Reporting – The first female firefighter has been hired at the Dover Fire Department.

Tracy Zurfley was sworn in at the city’s council meeting by Mayor Shane Gunnoe.

Captain Brooks Ross noted the significance of Zurfley joining the team and pointed out that her father and uncle have been involved in the fire service.

“Tracy is from Dover. She went to Indian Valley Schools. Recently, she has worked for the Strasburg Fire Department, so she’s got a little bit of experience, and she’s also attended a year of nursing school at Kent State Tuscarawas.”

Chief Russ Volkert said it was an honor to have her join the team and also spoke on the badge and how the number represents the order of hire. Once Zurfley retires, her number, seven, will also.

In the departments 150 years, there have been no female firefighters and Zurfley will be assigned to B-shift at the downtown fire stations as she completes her probationary period.

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