A female firefighter who posted a picture of herself holding a Barbie to promote women in the industry has been trolled on social media, with one person telling her: ‘real female firefighters aren’t allowed to wear make up. Standards please’.
Emily Rose – who is a firefighter in Wiltshire – wore pink nail varnish in the photo which prompted the negative reaction from social media user Claire Williamson – who locals claims is a firefighter herself.
Emily posed with the firefighter Barbie doll which wears protective gear along with a motto on the box which says: ‘You can be anything’.
Donning her uniform, she wore heavy eye make-up and fake eyelashes just like the toy and posted information about the low number of female firefighters.
Emily posted the picture on the Amesbury Fire Station Facebook page to urge female firefighters to join Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Emily Rose (pictured) posed with a firefighter Barbie doll for a picture which was shared on the Amesbury Fire Station Facebook page to promote women in the industry but she was targeted by a troll
The post said: ‘See, even Barbie can become a firefighter. She’s inspiring and showing the next generation they can be anything.’
But a Claire Williamson commented: ‘Real female firefights [sic] aren’t allowed to ware [sic] any makeup let alone nail varnish!! Standards please’.
Sources and people online claim Williamson is herself a firefighter – and her comments prompted a huge backlash.
Other firefighters posted official guidelines which state make up and nail varnish can be worn on duty.
The fire service raced to defend Emily – issuing a statement on their official Facebook page.
It said: ‘We’re happy to accept all men and women who want to help their local communities whether or not they wear make up and nail varnish – as our policy shows.’
Locals slammed ‘Claire’ online. Jade Elise said: ‘Real police officers and paramedics wear make up.
‘Not exactly going to turn her away when you are in a burning building just because she has make up on.’
One person took to the comments, writing: ‘Real female firefighters aren’t allowed to wear make up. Standards please.’
Karen Saunders said: ‘What a ridiculous thing to say.’
Drew Heaslip added: ‘Claire Williamson if you are ever trapped in a fire we’ll tell this woman NOT to rescue you since she has nail varnish and make up on and isn’t a real firefighter.’
One said: ‘I’m unsure why this woman isn’t a real firefighter just because she’s wearing make-up.
‘I’m sure she’s just as capable as a female firefighter who doesn’t wear make up.’
Carla Brown said: ‘oooo are you saying she she is less of a firefighter than you because she wears polish and make up and you do not?’
Another said: ‘Goodness, is this lady a firefighter? This attitude is concerning, especially on a post promoting women in the fire service.’
Emily posted the picture on the Amesbury Fire Station Facebook page to urge female firefighters to join Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Pictured: Amesbury Fire Station
Laura Lou Hobbs added: ‘Already screen shot, so she can delete if he wishes, I’m considering complaining.
‘So much for support, this is why women don’t want to join, too much judgement and criticism from others. Disgusting really.’
Another said: ‘I’m sure nail varnish and make up don’t affect the way she performs on duty.’
Kristen Emma said: ‘Real women have got other women’s backs and he build them up not tear them down.’
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Emily’s original post stated: ‘BREAKING: Barbie’s signed up as an on-call firefighter in Wiltshire, just like Emily who is stationed at Amesbury.
Emily was pictured holding a Barbie doll wearing a firefighters outfit (pictured, stock)
‘Around 6.4% of firefighters in Britain are female. It’s time to change that – could you give up some of your spare time to save lives in your local community?
‘Many stations across the county (and beyond) are currently recruiting for paid on-call firefighters, with some struggling to crew due to low numbers…..’
It added: ‘See, even Barbie can become a firefighter. She’s inspiring and showing the next generation they can be anything.
‘Only 4% of firefighters around the world are women – Why not join us as a on-call firefighter just like Barbie’s buddy Emily?’
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole added: ‘We welcome the introduction of a Barbie firefighter doll as this highlights our commitment to a diverse workforce.
‘Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service proactively encourages anyone in our community to become a firefighter.
‘To be an on-call firefighter, the only requirements are that you live or work close to the station, and you can pass the physical and education tests.
‘We run regular ‘have a go’ sessions and information events so people can better understand the role and try out some of the tasks we include in our selection process. Details of these events are on our website.’
Emily has not commented but on the FB page she said: ‘I’ve inspired two women to sign up this week. Hopefully more will join.’
Claire Williamson apparently deleted her comment as well as her FB page.
