Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson, Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke, and Canton Fire Chief K. Akhar Bennett, three of the few Black fire chiefs in the US, are working to pave a new path for diversity in the fire service. They strive to be seen not just as Black chiefs, but as fire chiefs, inspiring young people of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - “What we like to see is for people to view us as not just as Black chiefs, but as fire chiefs, like anyone else,” said Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson.Chief Henderson, Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke and Canton Fire Chief K. Akhar Bennett are part of the nearly 8% of firefighters across the United States who are Black.
Chief Henderson recently had the most diverse and inclusive recruitment class in the history of the Akron Fire Department. As the three chiefs work to pave a new path, they also recognize the sacrifices of those before them, including, Cleveland native Garrett Morgan who invented a mask to help save soldiers during World War 1 and former Woodmere Fire Chief John Brewington.
DIVERSITY INCLUSION FIRE SERVICE INSPIRATION ROLE MODELS
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