Leaders in Kansas City said a lack of minorities in fire departments is a problem everywhere, including here in Kansas City.
Battalion Chief James Garrett said the KCMO Fire Department has tried various campaigns to try to increase the number of women, African Americans, Hispanics and other ethnicities in its recruiting classes.
“It’s an initiative set by our chief,” said Garrett. “We are a better force when we are eclectically different.”
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that minorities make up about 45 percent of the population in KCMO. The fire department does not show the same diversity — the latest numbers released by the department show it’s 21 percent diverse.
The department hopes recruiting classes like the one set to graduate next week will help to change that.
This class of 36 includes seven minorities and three women, another underrepresented group in public safety fields.
Holly Smith is one of those cadets.
“I’m in love with this career. It’s awesome. It’s a go-getting job,” said Smith, whose uncle was also part of the KCFD.
She said she believes that having crews reflect the population is important.
"If there is a woman in crisis and she doesn't want that help from a male, a woman firefighter can step up and take that role," Smith said.
Since 2012, data from the fire department shows new hires have consisted of 26 percent minority hires. The department has spent up to $12,000 a year in advertising catered to reach women and minorities.
Still, city leaders say they are working uphill to change perceptions.
"If they go to fire stations close to their home and don't see individuals who look like them, who have success in the field, we think it touches them. They don't think they can be successful," said Garrett.
Smith is working to show being a firefighter is a viable career option for anyone who can do the job.
"I convinced this little girl at my gym to step up and be a firefighter. Every single day she runs up to me and tells me she wants to be a firefighter," said Smith.
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