Raleigh's new fire chief, John McGrath, reports for duty Wednesday. The veteran firefighter from Philadelphia is joining a department in the spotlight over concerns about its hiring procedures.
Once McGrath takes the helm of Raleigh's Fire Department, he will inherit a force that some are criticizing for not reflecting the community it serves.
Leaders in the black community are sounding the alarm on race within the department, saying it is unacceptable that only 12 percent of firefighters are black, when blacks make up 30 percent of Raleigh's population.
"I think that shows we have work to do. That shows we need to form partnerships with organizations if the city is having difficulty recruiting minorities," said Michael Leach, president of the Raleigh/Apex NAACP.
There was even controversy about the hiring of the new fire chief himself. Assistant Fire Chief Larry Stanford felt he was passed over for the top job because he's black. City leaders say McGrath, who is white, was more qualified. McGrath spent 32 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department.
The city's police force started actively recruiting minorities in 2001, and it has paid off. In four years, the number of black officers, increased by 10 percent, Hispanics by 50 percent, and female officers by 25 percent. Still, only 16 percent of blacks are on the force.
City leaders said change in both departments cannot happen overnight because of competition nationwide and low turnover.
"It takes a much longer time to change the complexion of the force because once an officer is hired, they intend to be here for 30 years," said Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker.
Black leaders say change can start now, especially with a new fire station being built in north Raleigh. Fifteen firefighters will be added to the force.
Reporter: Renee Chou
Online Editor: Kamal Wallace
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