Brian Porter started his firefighting career three decades ago when diversity in the fire service was scarce. Despite facing discouragement from his family and high school counselor, who questioned his potential success due to his race, Porter persisted. Today, as the Acting District Chief of the Operations Division in the Toronto Fire Service, he reflects on the slow progress of diversity within the force.
While strides have been made in diversifying the Toronto Fire Service, with the creation of the TFS Black Staff Network in 2023 and the acknowledgment of Black History Month with decals on fire trucks, the representation of Black staff still hovers around three percent, according to Porter. Efforts to increase diversity have ramped up in recent years, focusing on support, mentorship, and community outreach.
The legacy of pioneers like Captain Barry Sharp, the first Black firefighter in North York in 1969, continues to inspire change. Firefighters like Frank Jones and Nasteha Beinah engage with the community, especially during Black History Month, to encourage and educate young individuals about firefighting as a career path.
Although the recruitment process for becoming a firefighter is rigorous and costly, Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards while seeking ways to address barriers that may deter potential candidates.