One of the first women to become a firefighter in Cape Town retires after 29 years

One of the first women to become a firefighter in Cape Town has retired after 29 years of decorated service.

Arlene Wehr joined the city's fire and rescue service in 1996 becoming only the third woman to do so at the time.

Wehr was the first female station officer and divisional commander in Cape Town's firefighting service.

In June 2019 Wehr was appointed head of operations in district west becoming the first woman to fill a position at that level since the fire and rescue service was established in 1845.

Wehr's other achievements include a lifetime achiever award from the city of Cape Town in 2016 for groundbreaking gender equality work.

She was also elected as vice president of the South African emergency services institute in 2019.

City Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith paid tribute to Wehr.

"Assistant Chief Fire officer, Arlene Wehr’s career shines in the remnants of the glass shards she left in her wake as she broke through one glass ceiling after another, and we are forever indebted to her."

Smith said Wehr worked incredibly hard to rise through the ranks for others to follow in her stride.