By Mark
Correira
“Two-hundred
years of tradition unimpeded by progress” – a favorite phrase of many fire
service members. Change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but necessary if we
are going to make a difference in our communities. I raise this as a
conversation starter on diversity and inclusion in the fire service.
The
Fire Service lacks diversity. Career firefighters in the United States are 96%
male, and 82% are white. Even the military (85% male, 60% white) and law
enforcement (88% male, 73% white) are more inclusive. These statistics point to
the need to diversify our workforce and create a more inclusive fire service
culture.