A look at what female first responders say about working in male-dominated roles. Women make up very little of the first responder careers. Less than 25% of first responders in the U.S. are female, according the to the Milwaukee Area Technical College. Even fewer women work in policing and firefighting.

Join The Telescope staff writer Grace Dean as she talks with Palomar College police officer Maureen Lopez, firefighter Emily Quinlivan, firefighter engineer Vanessa Murphy and police officer Summer Threat about their experiences, challenges, and advice for future first responders.