Racism
Racism is prejudice, discrimination or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group. The FireRescue1 racism resource page includes news about how racism has been demonstrated in the fire service, as well as lawsuits and disciplinary actions related to alleged racist behaviors by fire service personnel. The page also includes tools that firefighters of all levels can use to address racism within the industry, plus information about how departments and organizations are confronting the problem. Learn what it means to commit to a diverse and inclusive department, listen to a podcast about enhancing diversity within the fire service ranks, and read one chief’s plea to firefighters to acknowledge the existence of institutional racism in the fire service in order to make positive change.
Three Black Kansas City firefighters say they have experienced a hostile work environment and retaliation for speaking to investigators
Whether to respond (or care) based upon who needs our help CANNOT be part of the equation
Newbern Mayor Patrick Braxton says fellow volunteer firefighters locked him out the fire station and left him alone at fires
Engine 21’s Stephen Paine invented sliding poles, and a second Black company was established in 1943
Jake Johnson was stationed at Brevard Fire Rescue Station 63 and had been on light duty since the image went viral
Fire Chief Harold Scoggins told FFs he was “dismayed” and that nooses have an “undeniable history in our nation as a symbol of racial hate and intimidation”
One Briarcliffe Fire Company volunteer allegedly mocked the name of a Black 8-year-old girl who was shot and killed outside a football game
An external investigation found evidence of racial harassment at the Everett Fire Department consistent with the complaints made by former member Jason Anderson
Former Chief Vince Beasley worked for the Kennewick Fire Department for 40 years
Devin Bullis filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division about conduct at the Olathe Fire Protection District
The Worcester firefighter posted an edited photo of President Joe Biden that makes him look like Adolf Hitler
The Brevard County medic allegedly said: “The reason that you were shot in the ankle as opposed to elsewhere, the torso or the head, is because of your ethnicity”
Brevard County said it is limiting Jacob Johnson’s public exposure while the county looks into the matter
Brevard County’s fire chief says the firefighter’s actions do not reflect the values of the department
Latosha Clemons, Boynton Beach, Florida’s first Black female firefighter, alleges damage to her personal and professional reputation
The suspensions are reportedly the most severe punishments ever handed down in the history of the FDNY
Deputy Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Gala was bumped up to assistant chief and given more than $100,000 in a resolution to the suit he filed against the city
In the last 20 years, Kansas City has paid $2.75 million in judgments, attorney’s fees, court costs and litigation expenses in lawsuits from employees who accused the department of harassment, discrimination and retaliation
Following reports of hazing and racism at the fire department, the city auditor will investigate workplace complaints and resolution practices
Former McDonald Green Fire Chief Francis Ghent was initially suspended for posting “Dear Police, stop responding to these black neighborhoods”
McDonald Green Volunteer Fire Department Chief Francis Ghent’s post suggested police should stop responding to Black neighborhoods
A federal jury ruled that the firing of Kansas City Firefighter Jyan Harris, who is Black, was in retaliation for reporting harassment
A federal court will rule whether a Black Kansas City firefighter was fired in retaliation for reporting harassment and discrimination
The inspector general’s report found more than half of female employees and 87% of Black employees surveyed reported harassment or discrimination
Chief Goldfeder offers advice to firefighters and officers who overhear fellow members making inappropriate comments
An Asian man claimed the white fire captain said “I’m going to kill you and your kind of people”
Members of the Asian Firefighters Association also handed out cards for a new tip-line for Chinese speakers
San Francisco Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac said she is considering suing after “a campaign of harassment and discrimination”
The deputy chief was investigated for use of a racial slur, work schedule discrepancies and retaliation against subordinates
The fired firefighter, who has ongoing racial discrimination suits against the department, reportedly criticized the chief over the shooting of a Black teen
The Hammond firefighter was placed on paid leave pending an investigation and called the allegations “false”
New Fairfield fire officials said the firefighter will be required to attend classes that “cover the issues involved”
Everett Firefighter Jason Anderson, who is Black, said he was targeted with racist comments and actions, and told to “suck it up” after reporting the harassment
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