Prepared communities are stronger communities

For Colonel Eleonora Tilcerová, civil protection begins long before an emergency occurs. With more than three decades of experience, she has dedicated much of her work to strengthening public awareness and education on safety and disaster preparedness.

You have been working in the rescue corps and in the field of civil protection for many years, now as the head/director of the population preparedness department of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. Can you tell us about your professional experience and career progression and what inspired you for the first time to take a career path in this field? 

I have been working in this field for 30 years. For 21 of those years I have been with the Fire and Rescue Service, and for 19 years I have served as head of the preventive education department.

It was by chance that I entered this profession. As a graduate teacher, I began my career teaching young children at elementary school. After my maternity leave, I received an offer to leave education and join civil protection.

During my career I worked in many areas of civil protection, including public warning systems, sheltering and financial and property issues related to ensuring these activities.

In the end I returned to the topic closest to my heart — education.

Instead of working only with young pupils, I now work with many different groups, including the general public and crisis management professionals. I have stayed in this job ever since. It is fulfilling, interesting and diverse. It always makes me happy when someone uses the knowledge, they have gained to help themselves or someone around them, so I know that it also brings tangible results.

2. Fire and rescue services are traditionally the domain of men. Looking back at your career, how did your career path and approach to leadership influence your experience of what women would do? 

 I have never felt disrespected by men during my career. Only on a few occasions did I feel that I had to make a greater effort to convince others about my ideas. Over time I have developed significantly in my role as head of department. Working with people is the most demanding kind of work, but I enjoy it.

I believe that as a woman I am able to listen carefully and notice issues that might seem minor but can become important if ignored. Open communication is essential. Even a small problem can grow into a larger one if it is not addressed early.

My colleagues often say I take a “mother-like” approach to leadership. I try to guide my colleagues towards independence, responsibility and personal development. I have coached several colleagues who now hold leadership positions themselves, and I am very proud of them.

Today I know that without empathy and psychological understanding, I could not do this job well.

3. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Rights. Justice. Actions. For ALL women and girls.” What does this topic mean to you in the context of civil protection and population preparedness? 

I like history, but I am grateful to live in the present and in Europe, where women have the same rights as men. When preparing the population for emergencies, we treat everyone equally. We teach people the same principles of prevention and how to deal with emergencies or crisis situations.

4. What would you say to young women considering a career in civil protection, firefighters or crisis management, but who may be reluctant to join? 

I once wanted to be an actress… and now I am a firefighter. When I was young, I never imagined that I would work in civil protection and in the security field. Today I can say that this profession is interesting, diverse and meaningful, and it brings the satisfaction of seeing tangible results. It also offers opportunities for personal and professional development.

And it is certainly no longer a men-only profession. In fact, there are currently more women than men working in our department.

I would therefore like to encourage all women who are considering a career in civil protection, crisis management, or security in general to go for it. Don't hesitate and come join us.