BAY MINETTE — For the first time in nearly 50 years, the city of Bay Minette has a female firefighter. Megan Wright, 27, began her duties with the Bay Minette Fire Department Dec. 28.

This is the former veterinarian technician's first foray into the field of firefighting. She will attend Fire College training in February.

Standing at 6 feet, 2 inches, the former athlete said she is not at all intimidated by the thought of entering what is typically considered a man's world.

"I have two older brothers so I'm used to it," she said laughingly, noting more seriously that she hopes she can be an inspiration to the next generation.

"I'm blessed and I'm thankful to Chief (Phil) Bryars," she said. "It's an honor and hopefully kids will know if you put your mind to anything you can do it. That's what mom taught me."

Wright is a native of Mobile and received a degree in social work from LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga., where she played softball and basketball.

Most recently Wright served as a technician for a veterinarian clinic in Montrose, but said she was looking for a career where she could help more people.

"I've just always wanted to help. I'm excited, it's a job where you can be proud of those you work with and they can be proud of you," she said.

Bryars said Wright was a good fit for the department and added to the diversity of the crew.

"When looking at applications, I believe you shouldn't necessarily look at whether they're male or female, rather whether they meet the credentials and criteria you're looking for," he said. "We look for someone who will do a good job but also someone who will fit well with the group."

Bryars noted that because of the way shifts are structured the men and women of the department spend a lot of time together.

"They live together here for 24 hours at a time, so you have to have someone who can fit in with the group," he said.

"Megan stood out above most all of the candidates," he added.

In addition to the diversity Wright brings to the department, Bryars said having a female on the force helps in sensitive situations.

"With certain medical calls, like rape or domestic assault, it's nice to have a female there, especially with a female victim," he said.

Wright is not the first female to fight fires in Bay Minette, as the Bay Minette Volunteer Fire Department has had several women to fill its ranks. Currently, Jessica Bryant is a member of the VFD and Victoria McDonald is a junior volunteer.

Also joining the fire department staff is Chris Hansard, who is certified in Alabama and Florida, having worked for fire departments in both states.

At 33, Hansard has already owned his own diving company and spent nearly three years as a firefighter. He said he made the shift from businessman to firefighter for stability and respect.

"The dive business was kind of hit or miss, I wanted to have a more stable career," he said. "And I wanted something my son and my wife could be proud of."

Hansard and wife Kelly have an 8-month-old son, Weston.

In addition to his multi-state certification, Hansard is certified in Firefighter 1 and 2, and as an EMT. He said he has completed all prerequisites for paramedic and is looking to complete that training as well.

He said he likes the job and the respect that comes with it.

"I enjoy the respect you get and I get to help the public. I particularly enjoy the EMT side and getting to go out and help people," he said.

Bryars said Hansard will add much to the department because of his training, and saved the city money because of it.

"It costs a lot of money to train a firefighter," he said. "With his fire and EMS training, we probably saved the city $10,000."