The Douglas Historical Society invites members of the public to a Women’s History Month Presentation with Kelly Manning, Deputy Fire Chief of the Town Of Douglas.

The month’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,“ and celebrates women who have dedicated their lives to leadership, education and mentorship.

The presentation will be held at the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum at 283 Main Street, Douglas at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27.  Refreshments will be served.

Manning is the first women to hold the Deputy Fire Chief position and has been a part of the Douglas Fire Department since 2006. Rising through the ranks, she was hired as the department’s first full-time Assistant Fire Chief in 2020. In 2024, she was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director. Manning has served with both the Southbridge and Westborough fire departments and has over 20 years’ experience in fire and emergency services before being named as a Chief Officer in Douglas.

Manning serves in a state capacity as a hazardous materials technician with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials Response Team. She is also a member of the Massachusetts DEI Committee and the state’s Technical Rescue Coordinating Council. Manning is also a licensed registered nurse and has worked part-time in the emergency room for over 10 years. She also holds an MPA from Anna Maria College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from UMass Amherst and an Associate’s Degree in Nurse Education from Quinsigmond Community College.

Manning grew up in a small town on Cape Cod has lived for many years in Douglas. She enjoys playing ice hockey and snowmobiling with her husband and has completed the Boston Marathon three times.

She will discuss about her challenges as a female in the fire and rescue field. She will offer advice to young women looking to break into the profession and give an update on the new certification program at the Blackstone Regional Vocational High School.