Women firefighters are not a new phenomenon by any means, but the number of women in the field remains slim. According to one recent National Fire Protection Association report, out of an estimated 1,041,200 career and volunteer firefighters in the U.S., only 89,600 (8.6 percent) were women. Even lower is the number of women who become certified in other ways of fighting fire -- people who work as technicians, inspectors, investigators, code administrators, protection system contractors and equipment licensing professionals.

Sarasota-based Tim's Fire & Safety has been providing essential fire safety services for more than 20 years, and has done so since 2016 under the ownership of Melanie and Katie Bray, a couple who stand out in a mostly male industry. The Florida Department of Financial Services estimates that about 1,528 women have received certification as non-firefighters since 1981, compared to roughly 12,483 men. In 2023, 335 men received certification in the field, compared to just 62 women.

"It's pretty common for people to expect a man," says Melanie, 41. "You have to let it roll off your back." After hearing through the grapevine that the company's previous owner, Tim Bell, was looking to sell the business, the Brays jumped at the opportunity. Even after running the business for eight years, the couple still meets customers who assume a man is really in charge. "Occasionally, 'Tim' gets in the picture," says Katie, 39. "Sometimes someone will ask for the manager or supervisor." If the client is nice, she says, the couple will "take the time to explain who we are and that it's our business."

Such encounters can be irksome, but the Brays have built up a roster of dedicated customers through word of mouth. The company coordinates with construction companies on new builds and also works on schools, restaurants, apartment complexes and more -- anywhere sprinklers, alarms, emergency exit points, extinguishers and other fire safety equipment may need to be inspected to ensure they are up to code.

The Tim's facility is stocked with fire extinguishers, chemicals, supplies and other tools of the trade. "We don't take on more than we can handle," says Melanie. "We want to keep life simple. Our major goal is to provide small-town service to our locals instead of calling someone from Tampa. It helps keep fees low."

Katie was born and raised in the Sarasota area, while Melanie moved to Florida from Massachusetts when she was in fifth grade. The two got married last November, and Melanie shares custody of her 15-year-old son from a previous marriage. The couple hasn't run into any confrontations because of their queer status. "We keep it professional," says Katie, adding that they watch out for "new clients who may indicate they wouldn't welcome gay business owners."

The Brays participate in community safety events, like one recent North Port gathering for children with special needs, where they brought empty fire extinguishers for the kids to feel and play with. They hope that children who see women in what has been a traditionally male industry might consider joining the field one day, too, and perhaps the number of women who work in fire safety will grow even higher.