Copyright 2006 The News and Observer
By The News & Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Few people have what it takes to be a professional firefighter. It requires a special brand of courage, strength and skill, coupled with a willingness to risk everything to save others, to even consider such a stressful and dangerous career.
Successful firefighters have a combination of ability and attributes that knows no race, no ethnic heritage, no gender. That’s why, in a perfect world, the racial, ethnic and gender make-up of a fire department would mirror the community it serves.
But such perfection is also rare. Just over 12 percent of Raleigh’s firefighters are black while the city’s black population stands at about 27 percent. Out of 498 uniformed fire fighters, only 15 are white females. Raleigh has no black female firefighters.
John T. McGrath is Raleigh’s new fire chief. He said recently, “We should reflect the demographics of the community we serve, and our goal is to work toward that.” It is a noble goal, but one that may be difficult to achieve. It will take a determination to actively recruit black applicants, both as trainees and qualified firefighters. Many cities across the nation are also having difficulties meeting minority hiring goals, so Raleigh’s effort will face competition.
Several of Raleigh’s black leaders used the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday to criticize the fire department’s hiring practices. They also expressed concern that an experienced black assistant fire chief in Raleigh was not promoted to the top job. Mayor Charles Meeker said race had nothing to do with McGrath’s hiring. The 32-year veteran of the Philadelphia fire department was one of six candidates, including two Raleigh officers.
Their message has been heard. Now leaders who want more black firefighters in the capital city should work through churches, civic organizations and neighborhood groups to encourage qualified young black men and women to apply for difficult firefighting training.
All of these efforts, as well as a commitment from the city’s top fireman to encourage minority applicants, hopefully will encourage qualified young black men and women to consider a job with fearsome risks and unimaginable rewards.