February 16, 2015

TO:
Executive Director of Safety, Stephanie OMalley
FROM: Camilla VonBurkhardt, Denver Fire Department Probationary Firefighter, F13024
RE:
Letter of Resignation
This letter is formal notification that I am resigning from the Denver Fire Department, effective
immediately. It is with great disappointment that I write this letter of resignation. As a former cadet
and someone who respects your office and the importance of public safety, you deserve to know why I
have come to this conclusion.
From the start of the academy, I have dedicated myself to becoming a Denver Firefighter with all my
heart. My prior experience was minimal, however, I immersed myself in the materials provided and
worked hard every day improve my knowledge and proficiency. Although physically capable to meet
the demands of this profession, little did I know the psychological menacing I would face on a day-to-day
basis for my lack of prior experience and because of the fact I am a female.
The Denver Fire Department culture is extremely archaic and ignorant to the fact that females, from all
backgrounds, are very capable of meeting the demands of this profession. I have been singled-out,
discriminated against, ridiculed, humiliated and subjected to numerous inappropriate sexual comments
towards my gender. The abuse and unprofessionalism I have been subjected to while employed on the
Denver Fire Department was so overwhelming that early on in my career, I started to document each of
these incidents by keeping an on-going journal. As a probationary Firefighter, I always felt if I had voiced
my concerns, the attacks would become even more extreme in an effort to see me fail. However,
although I refrained from making a formal complaint, I must note that many of these incidents were in
the presence of a supervisor and/or a command officer who failed to intervene or protect me and often
I was told in so many words that I better adapt and get used to it. The overall feeling of animosity
towards females, from all levels of rank, is of extreme concern and I hope your office is able to address
this deficiency.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge that there are a few select individuals on the Denver Fire
Department that I had the benefit of working with or for. They are genuinely passionate about their
work and embraced me as a newcomer and I am extremely grateful for the kindness, acceptance and
knowledge they have imparted on me.
Respectfully,
Camilla VonBurkhardt, F13024