STURBRIDGE, MA — March 8th — In honor of International Women's Day, the Sturbridge Fire Department, located at 346 Main St., honored its employees. The yearly celebration honors the accomplishments made by women in public safety and the workforce. Three women now serve the community within the department and its labor union: Firefighter/EMT Cayla Hurley, Firefighter/EMT Lillian Harvey, and Lieutenant Paramedic Jennifer Ashe.

Due to early labor movement initiatives, International Women's Day was established in 1909 and is now observed globally. The day is used by fire departments nationwide to draw attention to the increasing number of women working in their communities as cops, paramedics, and firemen.