A team of firefighters representing diversity and inclusivity working together.
An external evaluation of the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department has highlighted significant diversity challenges, revealing issues related to discrimination and a lack of inclusivity within the organization. The study, prompted by an anonymous employee survey, pointed to a hostile work environment under former Fire Chief James Large. Newly appointed Fire Chief Keith Watts aims to address these issues by emphasizing cultural change and increasing engagement with underrepresented communities.
In the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, a recent external management evaluation of the Fire Rescue Department has shed light on some troubling issues related to diversity and inclusivity within the department. The comprehensive study, the first of its kind since 1988, was initiated after an anonymous employee survey raised serious concerns about the treatment of women and minorities.
The survey that spurred the evaluation pointed fingers at former Fire Chief James Large, accusing him of fostering a hostile work environment. It seems that a number of firefighters stepped forward to report a disheartening pattern of sexist, racist, and homophobic remarks made by Large. Among the allegations was a particularly painful claim concerning the mistreatment of a female firefighter who experienced a miscarriage. The findings from the study were presented to the newly installed Fire Chief, Keith Watts, on January 9, 2024.
The Matrix Consulting Group, which carried out the evaluation, discovered that many firefighters felt uneasy about reporting incidents of bias or discrimination, fearing potential retaliation. While a majority of respondents—about 78%—indicated they had not personally faced discrimination, the numbers were concerning for minority groups. Specifically, 36% of Black respondents and 21% of Hispanic responders reported experiencing discrimination. Additionally, a striking 84% of female respondents stated they witnessed gender discrimination within the department.
One significant takeaway from the report was the need for better training and support for firefighters. Suggestions included hiring a recruitment officer tasked with diversifying the department and implementing diversity and equity training for staff. The evaluation also unearthed sentiments of distrust within the department. Around 49% of line-level employees expressed dissatisfaction with transparency, while 52% noted a lack of trust between them and the management team. Interestingly, this lack of trust was echoed by about 60% of the management group as well.
The response from community leaders has been overwhelmingly supportive of the findings. The local Union President commended the City Council for commissioning the independent study, suggesting that these results could pave the way for significant changes. Meanwhile, one Council member proposed conducting a follow-up survey to monitor improvements in trust and transparency among employees in the future.
Another Council member openly described feeling disrespected and bullied by former Chief Large, thus reinforcing claims about a negative atmosphere during his tenure.
Chief Watts, who stepped into his role in December 2024, is making history as St. Petersburg’s first African American Fire Chief. His appointment comes with the promise of a cultural shift within the Fire Rescue Department. Watts has made it clear that instilling an inclusive work environment is among his top priorities. He aims to not only modernize operations and enhance emergency response capabilities but also expand firefighter training programs.
In addition to improving internal relations, Chief Watts envisions engaging more actively with underrepresented groups in the community and underscoring the need for improved diversity among the ranks of firefighters. The department is setting out on a journey toward a more inclusive future, hoping to change the narrative and create a workplace where all employees feel valued and safe.
As the department embarks on this promising path with new leadership, the community is watching closely, hopeful for positive changes and a renewed sense of trust and inclusivity within the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department.
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