Leader of Chicago’s Black Fire Brigade sees training as an anti-crime initiative

By Lynnea Domienik
Black Fire Brigade recruits
Firefighter trainees (from left) Justin Carter, Robert Hamilton and Ahmad Boyland are four weeks into a 90-day program at the Black Fire Brigade. Michael Puente / WBEZ
Black Fire Brigade recruits
Firefighter trainees (from left) Justin Carter, Robert Hamilton and Ahmad Boyland are four weeks into a 90-day program at the Black Fire Brigade. Michael Puente / WBEZ

Leader of Chicago’s Black Fire Brigade sees training as an anti-crime initiative

By Lynnea Domienik
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The Chicago Fire Department says more than half of its personnel, which includes firefighters and paramedics, are white. Only 15% of staff are Black and 17% identify as Latino. The Black Fire Brigade program aims to diversify the force, and by extension, reduce crime.

Reset checks in with the head of the program to learn more about the initiative.

GUEST: Lt. Quention Curtis, founder and director of Chicago’s Black Fire Brigade