DVIDS – NEWS – Career advice, lessons on tenacity and good citizenship from Air Force Firefighters’ highest-ranking civilian woman

HILL AIR FORCE BASE – Tiana Bykowski, assistant fire chief with the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, knew she wanted to be a firefighter since she was 8 years old and gained first-hand experience by accompanying her father to Fire Station 41 in South Central/Watts, Los Angeles.

“Take Your Child to Work Day was very common in the 1980s,” she said. “I rode in the back of the engine with my son and responded to major structural fires, vehicle accidents and medical calls throughout our jurisdiction.”

Being with his father and fellow firefighters as they continued to help people inspired Bikowski to pursue the only career he ever wanted.

Plus, she joked that she comes from a long line of firefighters, including her grandfather, great-uncles, uncles and, of course, her father, so she has smoke running through her veins.

The plan was put into action when Bikowski enrolled in the Glendale-Arroyo Seco Fire Academy and worked as a firefighter for Warner Bros. Studios before tragedy struck the country.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred in September of that year and I realized I wanted to do more to serve my country,” she says, “I participated in the deferred enlistment program until January 6, 2004, when I eventually left for San Antonio with a job guaranteed as a 3E7x1 firefighting apprentice.”

After serving four years at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Bykowski accepted a job as a GS06 civilian firefighter at Hill Base while waiting for the man who would soon become her husband to join her after completing a remote tour of duty in Korea.

“We spent the rest of my husband’s career here and I supported him on six deployments until he retired from Explosive Ordnance Disposal in 2022.”

Bikowski has risen from an entry-level civilian position to assistant chief of Hill Fire Department and the highest-ranking female civilian in a male-dominated field, giving her plenty of experience and a willingness to share what she’s learned.

Bikowski, a petite woman who stands just 5 feet tall, said she faced some opposition in her career, but maintaining a good attitude and going the extra mile made all the difference.

“Everyone told me I’d never be successful as a firefighter, let alone graduate from the first fire academy,” she said. “I never gave up on the dream I had as a young boy in a fire department full of rough, tough guys. If you work hard and put in all your effort, you can get anywhere.”

Bikowski said that in any workplace, you may encounter resistance and may feel unfairly treated, but the key is to keep believing in yourself.

“At some point in life, you’re going to encounter opposition,” she said, “don’t dwell on it. Find people that believe in you and believe in yourself, because self-doubt can ultimately kill a person’s potential.”

Being different isn’t a bad thing, Bykowski said, and defining her strengths while embracing her differences is a skill she has honed through her professional organization, Phoenix Ignited – USAF Women in Fire.

“I tried to fit in and be part of the boys, but no matter how much I wanted to be seen as one, I just couldn’t,” she says. “Through Phoenix Ignited, my mindset changed. When other women empower each other, encourage each other, and network together, we become stronger in numbers.”

Bikowski said it’s important for people who believe fraud has occurred to find a trusted advisor to discuss the situation with them, who will listen to whether they have been overly sensitive to the event or situation.

“It’s easy to believe you’re a victim and think everyone is trying to treat you unfairly, so don’t let that cloud your view of reality,” she said. “It takes a stronger mindset and perspective to not become a victim. But if you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly, don’t continue that behavior.”

Bykowski believes in the importance of mentorship, both in being a mentor and being mentored, and she advises being proactive when looking for a mentor and not waiting to be invited.

“I found someone who has similar values ​​and a successful career that I want to emulate, so I just asked him to mentor me,” she said.

Bikowski said the secret to being a good leader is to be a good follower, work hard and be kind.

“You must first understand what it takes to follow others before you can empower others to follow you,” she said. “Remain humble, maintain self-awareness, and keep your ego in check.”

Bikowski said she has seen many advancements during her nearly 20 years as a military firefighter, but as a mother herself, she wants to change perceptions of career and motherhood.

“I want to encourage women who want to be firefighters and have families at the same time,” she said. “I want to change the idea that you have to choose one or the other to be successful.”

Looking to the future, Bykowski said he wants people to understand that each firefighter brings different attributes to the service.

“Being a good person isn’t determined by appearances, but by the content of your character, your willingness to work hard and maintaining a positive attitude,” she said. “I’m excited to step away from what I’ve been doing and find new ways to promote fire prevention and safety at Hill Air Force Base and the surrounding community.”