Did You Know?

Based on our 2007 published research, FIRE 20/20 identified language barriers, lack of proactive relationships, trust issues, and knowledge gaps as threats to the safety of both first responders and civilians in multicultural communities.

In focus groups, firefighters reported that multicultural and high-risk communities were uninformed and confused about fire and emergency services, lacking basic fire and life safety knowledge and skills.

Multicultural community members acknowledged being uninformed and confused about services, and reported fearing people in uniform, which often delayed their calling 9-1-1, or resulted in not calling at all. Relationships and non-emergent communications with the fire department were sparse, and community members expressed a desire for more involvement and exchange.

More from our research >

Workshop Structure

Each team is asked to complete a “report card” in advance of the workshop. They rate how their department is doing compared to best practices for diversity recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention.

Minimal lecture and an emphasis on group discussion and participant dialogue make the learning environment highly interactive.

Teams identify and develop one “Smart Goal” that they can implement within 30-60 days; and each participant commits to a personal 60-day goal.

Course Objectives

• Complete a report card on how your department compares to best practice guidelines.

• Identify your department’s specific assets and vulnerabilities.

• Apply a framework of interdependent principles, strategies, and tactics that supports retention, enrolls the community as recruitment partners, and maximizes the effectiveness of campaigns.

Participant Feedback

"Fire 20/20 brought together for the first time a local regional perspective to recruitment and retention. My goal is to use the networking and education provided by Fire 20/20 to make a real difference in the fire service as well as my own department.”  ‐Mike Garcia, Fire Chief, Aurora Fire Department, Colorado

“It was a great experience and I look forward to being a part of the solution and the change agency that will move the fire service in the right direction.”  ‐Jeff Piechura, Fire Chief, Northwest Fire District, Arizona

Schedule a Workshop

The workshop is conducted regionally for a maximum of 12 departments and a minimum of 8. The regional orientation enables departments to build a network of support, share what's working and what's not, and contribute to best practices. To request that FIRE 20/20 conduct a Recruiting and Retaining Diversity workshop in your area, contact us.