A slave named Molly Williams was the first known female firefighter in the United States. Little is known about her life, but female firefighters know her heroic story.

Owned by a New York merchant named Benjamin Aymar, Williams became part of the Oceanus Engine Company firehouse in 1815 and would be known as Volunteer Number 11. The members of the house credited her for being as tough as the male firefighters. She would fight amongst them in a calico dress and checked apron. During the blizzard of 1818, Williams helped save towns by pulling the pumper engine to the fire through the deep snow.

Even as a slave, Williams had gained the respect of her fellow firefighters. Her story and strength paved the way for other women, including one the first paid black female firefighters and the most tenured in the country - Toni McIntosh of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who served for over 11 years.