Tina Guiler
Miami Dade Fire-Rescue
Miami, FL
For over two decades, Lieutenant Tina Guiler has dedicated her life to serving the South Florida community as a firefighter and paramedic. Now a lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Fire Department, she has not only proven her mettle in a challenging profession but has also become a beacon of inspiration for young girls aspiring to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Lt. Guiler began her career as a firefighter in 1999 and became a paramedic three years later. She’s an active member of her department’s critical incident stress management team, as well as a state-certified fire inspector.
Lt. Guiler also runs the Triple F Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting firefighters dealing with on-the-job injuries or illnesses. This dual initiative not only empowers the next generation but also fosters a sense of community and support among current firefighters.
Despite her extensive experience, Lt. Guiler frequently encounters surprises from children and adults alike when they learn she is a firefighter.
“I still get asked, ‘Are you really a firefighter?’ or hear comments like, ‘I didn’t know girls could be firefighters,’” she shares. This realization ignited her passion for creating change, leading to the launch of her innovative small business, Triple F Dolls—a line of plush dolls representing female firefighters in 2022.
Triple F Dolls aims to inspire young girls around the globe to envision themselves as firefighters. With only 6% of firefighters being women, Guiler’s mission is critical.
“These dolls have made a huge impact,” she explains. “Little girls now see that they can be anything—even a firefighter—while little boys learn that women can excel in these roles too.”
Lt. Guiler’s efforts have already transformed lives. She recounts a touching story of a mother whose daughter believed she had to be a boy to become a firefighter. After seeing Tina’s dolls and her in uniform, the girl realized she could pursue her dreams without conforming to stereotypes. “If they can see it, they can be it!” Tina believes passionately, knowing that representation matters.
Through her unwavering commitment to her profession and her groundbreaking initiatives, Ms. Guiler is not just a firefighter; she’s a role model, an entrepreneur, and a change-maker. Her work continues to inspire countless young girls to dream big, paving the way for a more inclusive future in firefighting and beyond.