Fire Suppression/EMS: In the Shadow of Racial Disparity

Theodore R. Coleman began his firefighting career in 1953 as a private in the District of Columbia Fire Department (DCFD). He rose through the ranks and became the twentieth Fire Chief of DCFD in 1983. He managed a $100 million dollar annual budget and 1,535 employees. In his 36 years of service in the department, Coleman saw discrimination, disparate treatment, inconsistent operation, and under some conditions, just plain old disrespect for each other. As Fire Chief, he sought to eradicate these inequities wherever they existed and was instrumental in addressing many egregious conditions that were evident in the daily functioning within the department. In an effort to abate any form of misconduct, one of his primary objectives was to stress civil behavior among department personnel. Coleman's other accomplishments as Fire Chief included: - Affected the leadership of department personnel in serving the city well in duty performance; - Improved morale and enhanced organizational pride through management levels; - Effected the removal of barriers that separated persons by race, national origin, racism, sexism, and religion, resulting in unity and respect for all; and - Affected cause for the citizens of the city to express appreciation for department personnel in providing professional service upon call.