On October 27, 2023, County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) Fire Captain Shelia Kelliher was honored with the prestigious Texas A&M University Aggie Women Network Legacy Award. The university’s Interim President, General Mark Welsh III (Ret.), attended the awards banquet and shared remarks.
The Aggie Women Network (AWN) was incorporated in 2008 on the 45th anniversary of the admission of women to Texas A&M University and its membership extends across the country. Created in 2008, the AWN Legacy Award celebrates those who have achieved excellence as former students and honors trailblazers, pioneers, and barrier breakers for their contributions that impact future generations.
Fire Captain Kelliher graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University in 1988 and graduated from the LACoFD’s Recruit Academy, Class 102, in 2000, becoming the 15th female to wear the Department’s badge. She spent the next two decades promoting her way up the ranks from firefighter to paramedic and eventually to fire captain.
Committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workforce, Captain Kelliher has been actively involved in several initiatives through the Department’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office where she has volunteered her time and talent to assist with the Girls’ Fire Camp and Women’s Fire Prep Academy to recruit and mentor youth from underserved communities as they pursue careers in the fire service. Captain Kelliher has also volunteered her time in the LACoFD Explorer Program and is also a founding and board member for the Women’s Fire League.
Congratulations Captain Kelliher on this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to blaze trails!
