Leadership Representation and Racial Diversity in the Fire Service

Background

Public organizations increasingly emphasize diversity and representation, yet employees may experience and interpret these efforts differently. In the fire service, an occupation often characterized by strong group identity and tradition, leadership representation can shape how firefighters understand race, merit, and inclusion within their departments.

Purpose

This study examines how leadership representation influences perceptions of racial diversity within a fire department led by a Black fire chief. Drawing on theories of representative bureaucracy and relational demography, it explores how Black and White firefighters perceive diversity, representation, and workplace discussions about race.

Outcome

The findings reveal stark differences in how racial diversity is understood across racial groups. Black firefighters viewed representative leadership as empowering and linked it to professional advancement and community representation, while White firefighters often viewed diversity efforts as threatening merit-based systems and preferred to avoid conversations about race. By highlighting these divergent perceptions, the study deepens understanding of leadership representation in public agencies and underscores the importance of intentional diversity management to promote inclusion and reduce workplace tensions.