# @mesafiredept on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CaVj8WnPzSD
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/76414322-mesafiredept-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7a65b65c48.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-02-23T22:39:51.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** mesafiredept (@mesafiredept) — https://gondola.cc/mesafiredept

## Caption

Check out how MFMD is going the extra mile to make diversity in our fire department a priority as we wrap up #BlackHistoryMonth. 🚒 🔥 
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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 that member of the community sees someone that looks like them, especially if it’s a person of color, we tend to be able to create these connection points that can ease the situation.”

Forrest recognizes the internal benefits of diversity when he thinks of the enriching conversations he’s had at the kitchen table with other crew members.

“Working with other individuals who come from diverse backgrounds gives us the opportunity to learn from one another,” he said.

This can provide additional perspective on different cultures that ultimately helps them better serve our community.
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#MesaFireDept #MesaFireAndMedical #MFMD #EastValley #Firefighter #Firefighters #Diversity#Mesa #Arizona #MesaArizona

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- **Likes:** 552
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- **Comments:** 8

## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

mesafiredept, firefighters, mesa, firefighter, arizona, eastvalley, diversity, blackhistorymonth, mesaarizona, mfmd, mesafireandmedical

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