Women in first responder roles have long fought to prove their strength and resilience in fields historically dominated by men. Meet two extraordinary local women—Lynn Ray and Lisa Beck—who have carved paths of dedication and service, inspiring future generations. Their journeys, though distinct, share a common thread: a relentless passion for emergency response and a deep commitment to their community's safety.
Lynn Ray: A Lifelong Dedication to Emergency Medicine
For Lynn Ray, the call to serve started early. "I was always enthused with first aid and medical stuff," she recalls. That passion led her to the Civil Defense station in Lebanon, where she began her journey in emergency services. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, becoming a Lieutenant at Station 5 in Gladeville before retiring from Wilson Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) in 2000 to pursue a nursing career.
Ray’s resume is extensive: EMT school in 1982, firefighter training, and continuous education in EMS and fire service. One of her biggest challenges came when she attended basic firefighter school—one of only three women in her academy class. Alongside Glena Hunt and Debbie Malone, she entered a world where women were rare, determined to prove she could handle the same rigorous training as her male counterparts. "I had to prove to the men I worked with that I could pull my own and that I was tough," she says.
Her commitment extended beyond emergency response—she spent 15 years in the ER at Vanderbilt Wilson County before transitioning to surgical services. When COVID-19 struck in 2020, she returned to the ER without hesitation. "It was like I never left," she says.
Ray hopes her experience as one of WEMA’s first female firefighters has opened doors for the next generation of women in EMS and fire service. Her advice? "Attend all the classes you can. Keep expanding your education. Never stop learning."
Even after decades of service, Ray still feels the adrenaline rush when she sees an ambulance speeding past. "Emergency medicine has always been in my blood," she says. "It's my true love."
From Desk to Duty: How Lisa Beck Found Her Calling in Law Enforcement
Detective Lisa Beck’s journey into law enforcement started behind a desk, but it wasn’t long before she realized her true calling was in the field. Working as an administrative assistant for Parole and Probation in Nevada, she was drawn to the work of officers around her. Encouraged by mentors, she entered the Police Academy, launching a career that took her from supervising parolees to chasing criminals on the streets.
Her career began as a Parole and Probation Officer before she transitioned to Capitol Police, where she gained patrol experience. But becoming a full-time officer brought a new challenge—she was one of only three women in her Police Academy class. "It wasn’t always easy," she admits, "but I pushed myself beyond my limits to prove I belonged."
After years of service in Nevada, Beck felt the pull for a new challenge. In 2020, she made the life-changing decision to move to Tennessee, choosing Lebanon as her home while working in nearby Nashville. She joined the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) as part of the city's first lateral transfer class in a decade.
Her work in Nashville has been intense. "I've responded to almost every call imaginable," she says of her time in South Precinct’s Antioch area. Later, she joined the Vehicle Crimes Operations Unit, tracking stolen vehicles and suspects, before transitioning to Robbery Investigations. "Now, I speak with victims of robberies and do my best to bring suspects to justice."
Beck sees her role as an advantage, particularly when working with female victims of domestic violence and assault. "They’re more willing to open up to me," she says. "Male officers often call me in because they know I can connect in a way that helps get the details we need."
Her advice to young women considering a career in law enforcement? "Push yourself beyond your limits. The job will test you in ways you never imagined—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But the moments where you truly make an impact? Those make it all worth it."