The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has reached a historic milestone. Sisters Ashley and Shanah Laroche have become the first Black sisters to join the ranks of New York’s Bravest. Their groundbreaking achievement highlights the FDNY’s ongoing efforts to increase diversity within its ranks.
Ashley, a five-year veteran, and Shanah, who joined two years ago after serving as an EMT, are paving the way for future generations. Their story is one of courage, determination, and the power of representation in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Breaking Barriers: The Laroche Sisters’ Journey to FDNY
Ashley Laroche’s journey began five years ago when she joined the FDNY. Inspired by seeing a Black female firefighter, she found the confidence to pursue this challenging career. “Seeing a Black female firefighter as a role model gave me the confidence to pursue this career,” Ashley explained.
Following in her sister’s footsteps, Shanah transitioned from her role as an EMT to become a firefighter. “It was an adjustment, but knowing that others had paved the way made it possible for me to do it too,” Shanah shared. Their combined experiences showcase the importance of representation in inspiring career choices.
FDNY’s Push for Diversity: “ALL HEROES WELCOME” Campaign
The Laroche sisters’ success aligns with the FDNY’s recent recruitment drive. The “ALL HEROES WELCOME” campaign aims to attract a diverse range of candidates to the department. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Mayor Eric Adams have emphasized the need for a workforce reflecting New York’s diverse communities.
The campaign offers resources to potential recruits. These include free exam prep sessions and physical fitness training. Such initiatives aim to help candidates prepare for the upcoming firefighter exams, the first in seven years.
Representation Matters: Inspiring Future Generations
The Laroche sisters now serve as mentors within the department. Their presence encourages other women and people of color to consider firefighting as a career. “Once I started training and got into it, I also encouraged my sister to join,” Ashley mentioned.
Their journey underscores the importance of seeing oneself represented in various professions. As role models, Ashley and Shanah are helping to change perceptions about who can be a firefighter in New York City.
Current FDNY Demographics and Future Goals
Despite progress, the FDNY still has work to do in terms of diversity. Currently, 28% of FDNY firefighters are minorities. This includes 16.5% Hispanic, 10% Black, 2.5% Asian, and less than 1% Native American. Women make up only 1.6% of the force.
However, recent trends show promise. The most recent graduating class from the Fire Academy in March was over 50% minority. Additionally, 3.3% of the graduates were women. These numbers indicate a positive shift towards a more diverse FDNY.
How to Join the FDNY: Opportunities for Aspiring Firefighters
The FDNY is actively seeking dedicated individuals ready to serve their communities. Interested applicants can sign up at https://firefighter.joinfdny.com/. They can also email recruitment@fdny.nyc.gov or call 718-999-3369 for information on registering for the Firefighter exam.
The department offers various resources to help candidates prepare. These include exam prep sessions and physical fitness training. Such support aims to level the playing field and attract a diverse pool of applicants.
