Chief Fennessy Case Study

Chief Fennessy has been clear about his desire for a diverse fire department. We, the San Diego Fire-Rescue department, serve a diverse population. Income, race, culture, and religion are examples of the diversity of our city. It is important that our department reflects this diversity. We can achieve this goal through diversity outreach teams, community group involvement, and daily actions with the public.

First, we can create a diversity outreach team, made up of department personnel, who reflect a mix of gender, race, and culture. Subsequently, this group will have a greater acceptance to a much wider audience. The acceptance will not be because of the appearance, although it will not hurt, it will be because the diversity of the group
Each and every citizen in this city is entitled to and deserves safety education. This safety education is an opportunity for us to interact with groups of all backgrounds. These interactions will give us the opportunity to display our acceptance of all walks of life. It will open lines of communications which will help identify areas that we could be better with our outreach. We will demonstrate compassion and empathy, which will, again, lower barriers and show our intent to be more diverse. By reaching out to community groups, we will build relationships that will translate into the diverse department that we hope for.

Lastly, our daily interactions with the community have a profound impact on our credibility. Our attitudes and actions impact people’s emotions and opinion’s. This is a responsibility that we have to take seriously. Incidentally, every citizen deserves the same respect and dignity, no matter what their economic or social background may be. Being aware of our actions and displaying professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence, in all of our actions, we will encourage people to be a part of our team. People will not only resieve exceptional customer service, they will also feel a sense of