03/12/2026
Happy Women’s History Month!!! ✨✨✨
Retired Deputy Chief Dee Anne Staley
Retired Deputy Chief Dee Ann Staley is a pioneer. As one of the first women to be hired by GFD, Chief Staley is a part of the long, esteemed history of the City of Greensboro and its fire department. She was also the first woman on the department to be promoted to Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief.
Chief Staley’s father was working at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro when he noticed some posters around the hospital advertising that Greensboro Fire Department was hiring. He had thought that his daughter, who had recently graduated college, would do well as a firefighter, so he told her about the job openings. She put in an application, and was hired to begin the academy, along with four other women and four men.
On what it was like as one of the first women, Chief Staley said, “It was definitely a learning experience. Not just for the women, but for the male trainees, leadership, and the guys already out on the line as well.” By the time she graduated, their class had whittled down to just three women and four men. After graduating the academy, Chief Staley was stationed at Fire Station 8, which was on Chapman Street in Greensboro.
Before her arrival, the station had a captain’s room, a battalion chief’s room, and a big bedroom where the other firefighters slept. When she was on duty, the captain and battalion chief shared a bedroom and she was given the other single bedroom.
After seven and a half years as a firefighter, Chief Staley was promoted to Captain. “It was kind of funny,” she said, “I was tied with another firefighter on the list, and I got to choose the assignment I wanted first. Between Station 1 and Fire Prevention, I chose Fire Prevention over 24 hour shifts so that I could have a family.”
Chief Staley continued her trailblazing streak by being the first woman to be promoted to Battalion Chief, then Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief. She worked in Training, Planning and Research, Administrative Services, and Emergency Services. After a long career with the Greensboro Fire Department, she retired as a Deputy Chief in 2008.
Chief Staley’s advice to up and coming firefighters: “I was fortunate that I had a degree coming in, it was an advantage when I got hired and I made more money. Education is important! Also, spend your time wisely at the station. Use every opportunity to be a well-rounded firefighter. Learn about and work on the engine and the ladder. Know the rules and regulations, develop positive relationships, and stay in shape! Firefighting is a hard job and you risk your life. You need to have a good head on your shoulders!”
