Check out how MFMD is going the extra mile to make diversity in our fire department a priority as we wrap up #BlackHistoryMonth. 🚒 🔥 . Mesa partnered with other local departments to create the East Valley United Black Firefighters — a group providing mentorship opportunities for people of all nationalities but specifically focused on African Americans. “When you look at the numbers of African Americans in public safety, we don’t see too many of us,” said Chief Forrest Smith who is the Senior Advisor of the group. The group works on reaching out to those underrepresented communities by visiting local schools and encouraging students to pursue a career in public safety. They also provide one-on-one mentoring and fire skills training to prepare candidates for recruitment academies. Forrest explained that diversity in the fire department makes a difference both externally and internally. “You can create that relatability,” he said. “When you’re in an emergency situation and when tha...