When veteran firefighter Brian Porter began his career, the fire service was markedly different from what it is today. Reflecting on his early days, Porter recalls being one of the few Black or non-white individuals in the field 30 years ago. "No doubt, I was one of the very few Black or non-white individuals in the context 30 years ago," he states.
Choosing a career as a firefighter wasn’t a typical option for Porter. His family did not support the decision, and even his high school guidance counselor advised him against pursuing it. The counselor suggested Porter visit local fire stations to assess the environment himself. "And he asked me, 'ok great, did you see any people that looked like you when you went out this weekend?' and my honest answer to that was no," Porter explains.
Today, Porter serves as the Acting District Chief of the Operations Division in the Toronto Fire Service (TFS). Despite some changes over the past three decades, certain issues persist. “It’s still not uncommon for us to go to a call and have somebody say ‘I’ve never seen a Black firefighter’ in 2026,” he noted. Currently, Black staff constitute approximately three percent of the TFS, a statistic that the organization is striving to improve.
In recent years, the TFS has intensified its efforts to diversify its workforce. One of the significant initiatives was the creation of the TFS Black Staff Network in 2023, which aims to provide support and mentorship for Black firefighters. Additionally, during Black History Month, over 100 fire trucks sport elaborate decals as symbols of recognition and inclusion.
Honoring historical contributions, the TFS remembers Captain Barry Sharp, who was the first Black firefighter hired by the City of North York in 1969. He was also the second Black firefighter in the amalgamated City of Toronto, serving as a trailblazer for future generations.
Community outreach has also been a key focus for the TFS. Firefighter Frank Jones mentions that they participate in mall events, particularly during Black History Month, to engage young people. "They get to speak to real firefighters, they get to touch the tools, see the gear," Jones explains. Nasteha Beinah, a TFS 911 dispatcher, adds, “And so it was those firefighters at that clinic that introduced me, and so hopefully us at the malls and us here on the news, is what that does for another kid.”
However, aspiring firefighters face considerable challenges. The recruitment process can take years and may require expensive certifications, which can serve as significant barriers for some candidates. Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop acknowledges these challenges, stating, "We cannot change our requirements and we certainly will never lower our standards in terms of the recruitment process, but we do identify where people are falling off." Jessop emphasizes that the TFS is committed to being more reflective of the community it serves, engaging in ongoing conversations to seek improvements.
