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12 December 2025
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Firefighting pioneer, Arlene Wehr, calls time on a stellar career, Cape Town
Arlene Wehr and her family – daughters Dante and Keisha (left) and her husband, Brandon
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Arlene Wehr, one of the first females to wear the firefighter’s uniform in Cape Town, is retiring after 29 years of decorated service. Wehr joined the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service in 1996, becoming only the third female to do so at the time. Wehr left a job in the private sector to pursue a career as a firefighter – following in the footsteps of relatives in the service. In 2004, Wehr became the first female Station Officer in the service and in 2014 she became the first female Divisional Commander. In June 2019, she unlocked yet another new chapter when she was appointed Head: Operations – District West, becoming the first woman to fill a position at this level since the Fire and Rescue Service was established in 1845.
Other achievements have included:
• A Lifetime Achiever Award from the City in 2016 for groundbreaking gender equality work
• Elected as Vice President of the South African Emergency Services Institute in 2019
• Planning and leading City delegations to numerous World Firefighter Games competitions and World Rescue
Challenges
‘As I step into retirement, I carry with me the countless memories of the bonds forged on the fire ground … the long nights, the difficult days and the moments of triumph and relief. These are memories I will hold close for the rest of my life. I’m grateful for every challenge that made me stronger. I’m grateful for every laugh that carried me through. Most of all, I’m grateful for each of you. For your support, your friendship and your trust. Although I’m closing this chapter, the Fire and Rescue Service will always be a part of who I am,’ said Assistant Chief Wehr.
The full farewell speech is available here: https://bit.ly/3KSfE0K
“Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Arlene Wehr’s career shines in the remnants of the glass shards she left in her wake as she broke through one glass ceiling after another, and we are forever indebted to her. She has not only worked incredibly hard to rise through the ranks and exceed personal goals, but she has also firmly illuminated the path for others to follow in her stride. As she hangs up her turnout gear and radio comms, we bid her a fond farewell and thank her for service to the people of Cape Town,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Photo2: Arlene Wehr and her family – daughters Dante and Keisha (left) and her husband, Brandon
Source: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Other achievements have included:
• A Lifetime Achiever Award from the City in 2016 for groundbreaking gender equality work
• Elected as Vice President of the South African Emergency Services Institute in 2019
• Planning and leading City delegations to numerous World Firefighter Games competitions and World Rescue
Challenges
‘As I step into retirement, I carry with me the countless memories of the bonds forged on the fire ground … the long nights, the difficult days and the moments of triumph and relief. These are memories I will hold close for the rest of my life. I’m grateful for every challenge that made me stronger. I’m grateful for every laugh that carried me through. Most of all, I’m grateful for each of you. For your support, your friendship and your trust. Although I’m closing this chapter, the Fire and Rescue Service will always be a part of who I am,’ said Assistant Chief Wehr.
The full farewell speech is available here: https://bit.ly/3KSfE0K
“Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Arlene Wehr’s career shines in the remnants of the glass shards she left in her wake as she broke through one glass ceiling after another, and we are forever indebted to her. She has not only worked incredibly hard to rise through the ranks and exceed personal goals, but she has also firmly illuminated the path for others to follow in her stride. As she hangs up her turnout gear and radio comms, we bid her a fond farewell and thank her for service to the people of Cape Town,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Photo2: Arlene Wehr and her family – daughters Dante and Keisha (left) and her husband, Brandon
Source: Media Office, City of Cape Town