Melinda Gabriel | shop online at BIRKENSTOCK

"We really have a front-row seat for all of humanity – we are doing the dark work, we see terrible things"

Mindy Gabriel

Birkenstory #31 Mindy Gabriel – Deputy Fire Chief with Passion and Sportsmanship

Acrid smoke pours from the house. Fire department sirens wail, the fire truck has taken up its position and extended the fire ladders. Now they have to move fast, for people are still on the second floor. The crew gives its all – every minute counts, every move has to be just right. Mindy Gabriel, Deputy Fire Chief in Central Ohio and a team leader of 85 firefighters, is coordinating this rescue operation. Calmly but firmly, she radios instructions to her crew until the job is successfully completed.

Even if today's operation is just an exercise, it takes everything the team has. Mindy has been a deputy fire chief since 2019. Before that, she was on the front lines as a firefighter herself for 17 years. She knows exactly where the dangers are and that these regular training exercises are critical – both for fire victims and for firefighters.

From a farmer's daughter to a firefighter

In the United States, less than 5% of full time firefighters are female – this is likely also because the job is physically very taxing. Mindy's youth was shaped by athleticism and hard-working people. Even though she didn't grow up with any firefighters in her family, she felt attracted to the job early on: "I liked that they liked to get dirty, I liked that they were kind of risk takers, but then they're also super kind, compassionate, heartfelt people."

Athletics took her to the finish line

Her interest in athletics led Mindy to Columbus, Ohio, where she studied exercise physiology. She later applied to the local fire department there, she liked that firefighters worked as a team just like in sports. "Lots and lots and lots of people wanted to be firefighters," says Mindy, "and you had to take a written test and then you had to qualify to take the physical test." But she was certain that she would make it, because "I'm very disciplined and focused." Her strong build and fantastic experience on the rowing team of the university helped her out too. "I had never rowed before, but I liked it. So I got better and better and received a scholarship." That enabled her to pay for college, and she traveled throughout the country with the team. "Rowing was a great opportunity for me to develop as a human being and to feel strong as a woman. This athleticism and the strong team of women were the perfect combination."

90 critical seconds

Mindy has a lot thank this elegant, intensive sport for: intense concentration, perfect coordination and a focus on what counts. These are the ideal characteristics for her job at the fire department today, as she must make lightning fast decisions on an emergency call: "There is always a million things to do in those first 90 seconds. You have to set the course of how you're going to attack the problem and you have to manage your resources. We are at the location on average in 5 to 6 minutes."

HOW TO DRIVE A DESK

One big family

Above all, Mindy loves the family environment of the fire department: "I share their struggles and share meals, and share exercise, and their kids come in. I know everything about them."

It is these close friendships that also help her to process the dark sides of many of her calls. Mindy tells us: "We really have a front-row seat for all of humanity. We are doing the dark work, we see terrible things!"

Burn victims, badly injured colleagues or the haunting cry of parents crying after losing a child – all of this does not leave you untouched. That's why Mindy maintains a very personal, appreciative management style and is always there when you need her. "Your people are your biggest assets. We have to love each other in this job – otherwise we'll fall apart!"

Above all, Mindy loves the family environment of the fire department: "I share their struggles and share meals, and share exercise, and their kids come in. I know everything about them."

It is these close friendships that also help her to process the dark sides of many of her calls. Mindy tells us: "We really have a front-row seat for all of humanity. We are doing the dark work, we see terrible things!"

Burn victims, badly injured colleagues or the haunting cry of parents crying after losing a child – all of this does not leave you untouched. That's why Mindy maintains a very personal, appreciative management style and is always there when you need her. "Your people are your biggest assets. We have to love each other in this job – otherwise we'll fall apart!"

Thick boots and Birkenstocks

Mindy used to love her Chacos, until her sister wanted to get rid of a pair of used Birkenstocks. She wore those sandals that were falling apart for about five years, but "...it wasn't until all my friends said how awful they looked that I bought a new pair – these ones. I love them and wear them for most of the year – except in the winter. I guess I should get a second pair too. Okay, they're ugly. But I like them and they are really comfortable. I wear thick boots every day and my feet are always feeling constricted. So when I put on my Birkenstocks, my feet feel awesome. It feels like a warm hug – a Birk hug, yeah."