In hopes of boosting the presence of women working in the emergency services, the Saskatoon police and fire departments are hosting the eighth annual Explore Emergency Services event.

Constable Shaina Lynden says women and girls aged 17 and older are welcome to attend the event, which runs Saturday, May 11th, from 8:00am-3:30pm at the Saskatoon Police Service.

“In the morning you’ll have a panel, with the Saskatoon Police Service, of women who will talk about their careers and the different areas of service that they’ve worked in. In the afternoon you’ll get the same thing from (the) fire (department),” Lynden explains.

There will also be K9 demonstrations, opportunities to go into the firearm range, a chance to spray a fire hose, and a try at running an obstacle course while wearing some equipment. Lunch and snacks will also be provided.

Sergeant Ashley McLeod says women make up 25 per cent of the SPS work force, and she hopes that, in the future, the organization can be more reflective of the community it is serving.

“When you think about a police car showing up to an event, generally speaking, you picture a male getting out of the car. We are just looking to change some of those biases, some of those experiences, and welcome women to see themselves in these uniforms.”

The pair of officers add that women generally sell themselves short on how they’ll perform in male dominated careers, however, women possess very valuable features that benefit them while on the job.

“Just having that caring nature and a friendly face and smile, sometimes that feminine quality does give people a sense of ease and helpfulness while they navigate a challenging experience,” McLeod assures.

Lynden echos her comments.

“We talk really well with people. We have a maternal side to us that goes well with a lot of the stuff that we do and a lot of the situations we are involved in.”

Anyone wishing to attend must register online here.