With less than a week to go before it stops accepting applications, the Dayton Fire Department says it could have its most diverse pool of fire recruit applicants ever.
The fire department is overwhelmingly white but has become more diverse in recent years. Officials say new, enhanced and ongoing initiatives to reach minorities and women seem to be working. “While there is more work still to be done, the Dayton Fire Department is making clear progress in achieving a more diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Dayton Fire Capt. Brad French.
The fire department started accepting applications for its recruit classes in early January, and the deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 20. The city has received more than 680 applications, and early data suggest this could be the most diverse group of applicants in the department’s 159-year history, officials said.