By KAL OCHOA
The Tower
The Manteca Fire Department has made history by welcoming Tia Torio as its first full-time female firefighter.
For Torio, who grew up in Manteca, joining the department marks the beginning of a career dedicated to helping others while creating new opportunities for women interested in firefighting.
Torio, who is stationed at Station 241 on Powers Avenue, did not originally plan to become a firefighter. She initially considered nursing and physical therapy, following a path familiar to many members of her Filipino family.
However, after shadowing professionals in the medical field, she realized those careers were not the right fit for her.
Her interest in firefighting began after a ride along with Captain Tedd Hunter at Station 1.
“I just enjoyed my time being here,” Torio said. “It was just a great experience to begin with, and I just knew from there I wanted to pursue firefighting as a career.”
Torio said she has always enjoyed helping others, staying active and working in fast-paced environments. Firefighting appealed to her because it combines those interests with the opportunity to serve her community.
“I’ve always had an itch to help people out and just help my community,” Torio said. “That’s what firefighting does, right? You’re involved with the community, and you’re able to help others who aren’t having the best days.”
Although becoming the department’s first full-time female firefighter is a significant accomplishment, Torio said she tries not to put too much pressure on herself because of the attention surrounding her position. Instead, she wants to focus on doing her job and becoming a dependable member of her crew.
“At the end of the day, I don’t want to be known as just, ‘Oh, she’s a female firefighter,’” Torio said. “At the end of the day, it’s firefighters, not firewomen or firemen. It’s firefighters.”
Tia Torio stands confidently beside a fire engine at Manteca Fire Department, station 241, on Oct. 15, 2026. (Kal Ochoa/The Tower)
As a new firefighter, Torio recognizes that learning is an important part of the profession. She relies on her captains and fellow firefighters to help her develop the skills needed to succeed. She hopes to be known as someone who continues improving while supporting the people around her.
“I want to be recognized as someone who just shows up every day, wanting to get better,” Torio said. “And not just for myself, but also for whoever I’m working with and just everyone around me.”
Battalion Chief Sterrie McLeod also views Torio’s appointment as an important milestone for the department and the community.
“I think this is a great moment for both our department and our community,” McLeod said. “It’s important that our department reflects the community we serve.”
The chief explained that having a female firefighter brings a new perspective to the department and creates an opportunity for more residents to see themselves represented in public safety careers.
He also emphasized that successful firefighters share important qualities regardless of gender, including teamwork, initiative, dedication, and a strong work ethic.
“At the end of the day, being a good person, having a strong work ethic, and being willing to put in the effort are some of the most important qualities of a successful firefighter, regardless of gender,” McLeod said.
McLeod hopes Torio’s achievement will encourage more young women to consider firefighting as a career. He believes seeing women in these positions can challenge stereotypes and help future applicants recognize that the profession is an attainable goal.
Torio also hopes her presence will make a difference for women considering the fire service. Although firefighting has traditionally been male dominated, she said the support she has received from her colleagues has helped her feel welcomed.
“You might feel that you’re alone in this situation, but in reality, everybody has your back,” Torio said. “They want to see you succeed.”
As Torio continues her career, she is focused on gaining experience, learning from others and becoming a stronger firefighter. Rather than being remembered only for making history, she hopes to build a reputation for staying positive, working hard and helping those around her.
Her appointment represents a milestone for the Manteca Fire Department, which dates back to 1918. More importantly, it offers young women in the community an example of someone pursuing a career they may not have previously considered.
For Torio, the goal is simple: continue learning, serve her community and do her job to the best of her ability. Her achievement may be a first for Manteca, but it could also inspire the next generation of firefighters to follow in her footsteps.