West Seattle resident Susan Rosenthal, a 29-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department, was promoted to assistant chief last week, making her the highest ranking woman in the department’s history.

An informal reception organized by women in the Seattle Fire Department will be held Thursday, May 14 to honor this achievement.

In her new position, Rosenthal will serve as the assistant chief of administration, overseeing the fire alarm center, human resources, finance, services, and information technology. Since August, 2003, Rosenthal worked as the deputy chief of communications, overseeing the department’s fire alarm center where she managed a staff of firefighter/dispatchers who answer more than 100,00 emergency calls per year.

Prior to that, Rosenthal served as one of the department’s safety officers and as an operations division battalion chief.

Rosenthal was among the first group of women to serve as firefighters for the City of Seattle when she joined the Department in 1980. During her career, Rosenthal rose through the ranks of firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and deputy chief.

Rosenthal is a member of the city’s race and social justice change team. She has volunteered as a safety chief at Camp Blaze, a national leadership camp for young women who want to experience a career in the fire service.