The City of Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department has been recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Visionary City Award, an esteemed honor granted by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in collaboration with Georgia Trend Magazine. Presented at GMA’s Cities United Summit, this award highlights Forest Park’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement through its groundbreaking Girls' Future Firefighter Camp.
Selected in the Medium Cities Category, Forest Park’s Girls' Future Firefighter Camp was launched in 2023 to inspire and educate young women about careers in fire service. The program addresses the nationwide shortage of female firefighters by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue careers in firefighting and emergency services.
Held annually in October, this free camp is open to Clayton County youth ages 12-17 and offers hands-on training in:
✅ Fire service history and prevention
✅ CPR and first aid training
✅ Physical fitness and teamwork exercises
✅ Emergency response techniques
By introducing young women to the fire service in a supportive and engaging environment, the camp fosters greater diversity and inclusion within public safety.
GMA Recognizes Forest Park’s Commitment to Diversity
Larry Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of GMA, praised Forest Park for its leadership in public safety diversity initiatives.
“Forest Park’s Girls' Future Firefighter Camp not only addresses the need for greater diversity in public safety but also empowers young women to envision themselves in leadership roles. It’s a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering opportunity and engagement within the community.”
Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Chief Latosha Clemons also emphasized the importance of female leadership in firefighting:
“The presence and leadership of women in the fire service play a vital role in the success of our emergency response efforts. As we work together to build a more inclusive field of fire service professionals, I am honored to help pave the way for the next generation of women leaders.”
The Girls' Future Firefighter Camp is not just a local success—it serves as a model program for other communities seeking to create pathways for young women in emergency services. By engaging and educating future first responders, Forest Park is making a lasting impact on public safety and workforce development.
For more information about Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services, visit www.forestparkga.gov/fire.
Winning the 2025 Visionary City Award underscores Forest Park’s dedication to innovation, inclusion, and leadership. As the city continues to champion diversity in public safety, the Girls' Future Firefighter Camp is shaping the next generation of female first responders—one young firefighter at a time.
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