President's Message

February, 2007

The fire service has historically been resistant to change. Our mission as an organization is to help facilitate that change, make it easier to accept, and make change a positive experience. In order to accomplish this task it takes a unified front each individual member making their own personal contribution to this effort.

As fire departments across America become more and more diverse it is important that opportunities are made available for men and women of color to continue to work and thrive in this industry. Throughout the history of this organization we have been able to effect positive change in how the department looks, operates, and serves our community. Now our challenge is to preserve what we have already accomplished while expanding on the concept of equality for everyone throughout the fire service.

Currently the fire department has begun promotional testing for the position of Captain within the San Francisco Department. Although we welcome back the testing process (it has been absent for over 10 years) we are mindful that all tests must be job-related and valid in order to be fair. The mandatory re-testing of one of the components of this exam presents several problems. Clearly the outstanding issue is the test in its entirety from the outdated manuals to the conflicting sample problems in the sample test booklet. We need a new exam. A job related exam, properly administered and developed with up to date manuals.

Yours Truly,

Kevin Smith, President