TEXAS CITY – A Texas City firefighter is marking a historic milestone for the department after reaching 20 years of service.

Firefighter Michelle Rosales-Macias recently celebrated two decades with the Texas City Fire Department, becoming the first woman in the department’s 115-year history to reach the milestone.

The department honored Rosales-Macias during a celebration last Thursday at Center Court Pizza in Texas City.

Rosales-Macias said her path into the fire service began in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

“It was the first anniversary of 9/11. That was when I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” she said.

She said it took two years to pass the physical exam required to enter the fire service, calling it one of the biggest hurdles she faced before even joining the department.

During her career, Rosales-Macias has worked at every station in the department and has witnessed Texas City grow from what she described as a small town into a larger city along the freeway.

She also comes from a family with ties to firefighting. Her uncle, Edward Sanchez, previously served with the Houston Fire Department, and her nephew is now preparing to join the fire service as well.

Rosales-Macias said she now enjoys helping mentor younger firefighters entering the profession.

“I’m one of the old heads now,” she said. “Just seeing the new guys come in… now I’m on the other end.”

She also encouraged other women interested in firefighting to pursue the career and find mentors within their departments.

Rosales-Macias thanked her family for supporting her throughout her career, noting the sacrifices they made to accommodate the demanding schedule of the fire service.

Courtesy: City of Texas City