Rochester city officials have welcomed 21 new firefighters to the ranks in what they say is the most diverse of any class in the history of the department. Minorities and women make up 57 percent of the class.
The recruitment was the result of a comprehensive campaign to improve diversity in the Department. It involved the Administration and City Council and included the support of 11 different city churches.
A team of City firefighters visited job fairs, schools and colleges to recruit candidates for the Academy. A multi-media campaign was launched to promote the benefits of a career in firefighting.
The new firefighters will rotate through several fire companies over the next year.