Teaneck swears in 1st female firefighter in department's 101-year history

TEANECK, New Jersey (WABC) -- It was a historic day for the Teaneck Fire Department Thursday, when a woman joined the ranks for the first time in the department's 101-year history.

But Ashley Hahn is no stranger to the fire house.

She was sworn in during a ceremony at Town Hall, with her father -- a Teaneck police officer -- holding the Bible as she took the oath. By Thursday afternoon, she was beginning her first day of training.

Hahn has spent the majority of her 27 years living in Teaneck, where she served as an EMT. She calls becoming a firefighter part of the natural progression of her career, and she fully understands the historic significance of her achievements.

The Teaneck Fire Department is reaching out to other towns with female fighters to make sure thy have all the proper accommodations to make Hahn feel at home. But she says the support has been positive.

Mark Depompeo was also sworn in, joining Hahn as the newest members of the department.