ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - You've likely heard by now about the five African American female St. Louis Firefighters who were finally promoted to captain.
But for months and months, they were already doing the duties of a captain, but were not being paid for it. KMOX's Maria Keena talked with Captain Jessica Jackson not only about the promotions, but her life, her children and what being a firefighter means to her.
Captain Jackson has been on the St. Louis Fire Department a little over 20 years, but if you think she wanted to be a firefighter you'd be wrong. In 2001 a firefighter told her she'd be a great firefighter, but she didn't agree. It wasn't until 2003 she applied, but still didn't want to do it. Two-thousand people took the test, but Captain Jackson was ranked #70
Captain Jessica Jackson's fire house is the 22's on McCausland by Highway 40. There's no doubt about it, being a firefighter is scary, but it's also very rewarding. When asked if she ever thought of saying that's it, I've had enough, while waiting to be promoted, Jackson said no, " I love my job."
Being a firefighter is not Jackson's only talent, she is also an artist and designed her fire house's patch, Double Deuces.
