Both Sides of the Fire Line: Memoir of a Transgender Firefighter

Bobbie Scopa is a retired firefighter, podcast host and public speaker, whose upcoming book, Both Sides of the Fire Line: Memoir of a Transgender Firefighter is due to be published by the Chicago Review Press on 6 September 2022.

It will be published in time for National Coming Out Day in October and Bobbie Scopa’s story is a brave account about breaking barriers and living your true self. Bobbie offers insights on her experience as a trans woman in the firefighting industry.

After 45 years of firefighting experience, Bobbie Scopa has seen it all. Bobbie has bravely faced wildfires, mountain rescues and she served at Ground Zero after the 911 attacks.

While she was able to find her true calling, her inner thoughts were in constant turmoil – she could not live her authentic self. With pressures mounting, Bobbie was not only able to overcome the fire battles in her profession but also the emotional roadblocks in her transition journey.

Filled with humour, grace and honesty, Both Sides of the Fire Line is an intimate view into someone who’s devoted their life to saving others.

Praise for Both Sides of the Fire Line

‘A deeply personal account of a unique life and the bravery it takes to be the person one is meant to be.’ – Library Journal

‘Bobbie’s rise in the fire service, both structural and wildland, was not without hardship and challenges, and she tells her unique and compelling story with humor, introspection, and grace, holding very little back.’ – Riva Duncan, retired US Forest Service Fire Chief

‘Her memoir reminds us that transgender people, while facing unique challenges in their lives, have the same goals as all human beings do: to discover who they are, to find love as best they can, and to serve their community with compassion and grace.’ – James Martin, SJ, author of Building a Bridge

About Bobbie Scopa

Bobbie Scopa is a retired firefighter, author, podcast host, and public speaker. She has forty-five years of firefighting experience and has received numerous professional awards and industry recognition, including Firefighter of the Year (1990) from the Professional Firefighters of Arizona; Governor’s Award, State of Arizona (1990); Certificate of Appreciation from the City of New York for work performed at the World Trade Center in 2001; and the Unit Citation Award for efficacy in the U.S. Forest Service (2014). She was a featured speaker at the U.S. Forest Service’s ‘Pride Outside’ diversity, equity and inclusion event in June 2021. She is also the host of the podcast BobbieOnFire.com. Scopa divides her time between Puget Sound, Washington, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

For more information, go to www.chicagoreviewpress.com/both-sides-of-the-fire-line-products-9781641608060.php