Media Page
About the Author
Born in 1954 and raised in Indianapolis, Kathy
Gillette, left for a few years while serving in the
U.S. Army in Germany. Missing home,she came
back to major in Physical Education and play
basketball at Indiana University. After a knee
injury during basketball practice, she switched
majors and earned degrees in German and
Business Management, taking five years to
finish her college education. Unsatisfied with the
business world and hearing her brother’s
adventures on the fire department, she decided
to apply. After a lengthy process, with thousands
of applicants, Kathy was hired in March of 1985
along with 31 other people. Twenty-four years
later, there are 21 of her classmates still fighting
fire. She signed papers announcing her
retirement effective March 9, 2010. On her days
off, she manages a successful rental business.
Her son who was a baby when she was hired is
grown. Her husband is a police officer. His two
teenage daughters live with them.
Kathy Gillette's other car courtesy of
Chief Joe Olofson, twice retired.
Chief Joe Olofson, twice retired.
About the cover picture
On Saturday, March 4, 1989, my company and
several others were dispatched to the report of a
house fire. As we were searching for the seat of the
fire in a dark, smoky, double residence, a backdraft
occurred with an eruption of flames so sudden that
it left nothing but orange all around my buddies
and burned or injured all of them. The explosion
blasted them backward down the steps where they
fell in a heap. I assisted them outside and into
ambulances. After they left, I was distraught and
worried sick. One of them was hurt so badly, I
thought he might never return to work. Two officers
were trying to reassure me that nobody was going
to die and probably everyone would be back to
work in a few weeks or so. The picture was
snapped as I was listening, wiping the sweat, dirt,
and blood off my face with a shaky hand.
On Saturday, March 4, 1989, my company and
several others were dispatched to the report of a
house fire. As we were searching for the seat of the
fire in a dark, smoky, double residence, a backdraft
occurred with an eruption of flames so sudden that
it left nothing but orange all around my buddies
and burned or injured all of them. The explosion
blasted them backward down the steps where they
fell in a heap. I assisted them outside and into
ambulances. After they left, I was distraught and
worried sick. One of them was hurt so badly, I
thought he might never return to work. Two officers
were trying to reassure me that nobody was going
to die and probably everyone would be back to
work in a few weeks or so. The picture was
snapped as I was listening, wiping the sweat, dirt,
and blood off my face with a shaky hand.
Firefighterette Gillette
A Firefighter Who Crashed & Burned
A Success Story
is authored by 24 year veteran
Engineer Kathy Gillette,
Indianapolis Fire Department
A Firefighter Who Crashed & Burned
A Success Story
is authored by 24 year veteran
Engineer Kathy Gillette,
Indianapolis Fire Department
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Kathy Gillette in her fire gear
wearing an antique helmet borrowed
from a lieutenant. Kathy is showing
off her book
"Firefighterette Gillette
A Firefighter Who
Crashed & Burned
A Success Story"
at the American Library
Association Expo
Photo compliments of Flickr-Photo
Sharing!
wearing an antique helmet borrowed
from a lieutenant. Kathy is showing
off her book
"Firefighterette Gillette
A Firefighter Who
Crashed & Burned
A Success Story"
at the American Library
Association Expo
Photo compliments of Flickr-Photo
Sharing!
Contact Kathy Gillette 317 755 6670 8335 Catamaran Dr., Indpls, IN
46236 e-mail kathyjgillette@yahoo.com
People are talking about
Firefighterette Gillette, A Firefighter Who
Crashed & Burned, A Success Story
Firefighterette Gillette is a captivating read
cover to cover and highly recommended.
Midwest Book Review
I cried myself to sleep after reading the heartbreaking
stories involving children. I titillated at the sex scenes and
laughed at the crazy events in the firehouse. I wish I was a
firefighter. Joyce Davis, mother.
Firefighterette Gillette sets out to share some significant career
events and in the process tells a story that everyone in America
should read. Ms. Gillette discloses the fears, injuries and
disappointments she experienced on the road to setting regional
history. In her triumphant career she sets an example and sends a
message about feminine self-determination and how situational and
man made barriers can be transformed into stepping stones to
success. Dr. Trent Tucker, Ph.D. CAS, CCBT
You will experience every imaginable emotion as you read
Firefighterette Gillette. Lt. Dave Burton, Perry Township Fire
Department.
It is truly astounding that two people, separated by over 500 miles
and an international border, could have such similar experiences in
careers that span twenty years. As I read this engaging and
incredible story, I kept thinking, "Yep, that happened to me." over
and over. Toronto, Canada, Firefighter, Graham Voss.
I laughed and laughed as I read this book. I was feeling kind of
down but "Firefighterette Gillette" cheered me up. The scene where
Kathy opens the hydrant like a mule cracked me up.
Christine Breedlove, author, Ashes of A Cinderous Soul.
Firefighterette Gillette is a wonderful read and a great slice of life;
a real cross section of Midwestern America. I loved the style;
concise, no-nonsense, essential communication, like a firefighter
needs to use in emergency situations. I hope America realizes what
a treasure it is and buys a million copies.
Mark Strength, author, Bonnie Kate.
"A very candid and compelling read. Although Kathy downplays
the bravery it has taken her to fight fires, politics and stereotypes
in the IFD, the reader gets the sense that she is the first person you
would want on your side, whether faced with an emergency, a
fractious dispute, or even a tough pickup basketball game."
Matt Goldberg, author, So So Gai.