Part 10/10:
A thoughtful examination of policies that govern hiring and leadership in emergency services is vital. The lessons learned from the recent California wildfires underscore the pressing need for a re-evaluation of priorities—where serving the community's safety must always remain at the forefront. Moving forward, the conversation surrounding diversity must encompass not just representation but also the ability to protect and serve without compromising performance. It's a delicate balance—one that is necessary to achieve the intended outcomes of both equity and safety.