Only one Black graduate emerges from Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue cohort
The NAACP met in Miami Gardens on Monday evening to discuss hiring practices at the Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR). The meeting followed a photograph of Recruit Class 159, which featured 73 candidates and only one African American recruit.
During the session, NAACP representatives asked MDFR officials to explain the factors that led to the uneven representation and to describe steps the department will take to better reflect the community. MDFR officials cited several testing components—educational, psychological, and physical—as well as background checks, criminal and driving records, and previous employment histories as criteria that could disqualify candidates.
Participants questioned whether systemic issues exist in the hiring process and suggested that MDFR expand outreach programs. The department noted that the class was drawn from an eligibility list that expired, limiting the pool of applicants.
MDFR issued a statement to Local 10 News expressing appreciation for the dialogue and reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with community leaders. The statement emphasized the department’s goal to strengthen outreach, broaden opportunities, and build trust with residents.