Sierjie Lash Named Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Sierjie Lash as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Lash is a trailblazing Akron firefighter, who has recently been promoted to district chief. Lash will be the first woman in the near 200-year history of the Akron Fire Department to hold this position.

In her 21-year career with the department, she is not a stranger to firsts. In 2022, she was promoted to captain, becoming the first woman to hold that rank in the department.

Lash's ascent to district chief position is a testament to over two decades of unwavering dedication to excellence, personal growth, and leadership development.

At fist, Lash was hesitant to join the Akron Fire Department. However, her peers continued to encourage her to apply. Lash joined the department with the expectation that she would focus on being the best paramedic she could be.

To her surprise, she learned that Akron Fire Department employees are expected to be trained as both a paramedic and a firefighter. Lash went through the fire academy as the only woman in her class. Throughout the next few years, she fell in love with the job.

As Lash has risen through the ranks, she has seen the number of female firefighters grow from just 6 women to 32. Her career and new title as district chief unequivocally demonstrates that firefighting is a profession for women as much as it is for men.

Lash acts as a mentor and advocate for women in the department. She encourages other women to seek out leadership training and run for leadership positions.

Lash's historic career and unwavering commitment to excellence exemplify the very spirit that makes OH 13 the Birthplace of Champions.

I thank District Chief Sierjie Lash, for her dedication to her field and the amazing work she does. We are so proud of her.

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