We are a national network of firefighters working to grow our Chief Officer ranks and improve community relations.
It is with great pleasure that I provide you with this update from the BCOC. Your current board continues to advance on the good works of our predecessors. In these trying times we are committed to ensuring that the Fire Service is both accessible and equitable today and well into the future. While first or new African American Chiefs seem to be appointed with great regularity, we are falling short at the point of entry. Validation can be found in the Department of Labor statistics. The reversal of our declining demographic in the field is a priority. We approach the annual 2023 Conference in Ft. Lauderdale intent on providing all with the tools needed to lead in this and many other efforts. Ahead of the conference we are :
1. working with the leadership of the IAFC, IABPFF, and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute on DEI strategies,
2. participating in the 2023 Wingspread Conference: Advancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Fire and Emergency Services,
3. preparing members for advancement with coaching and mentorship opportunities, and
4. continuing to explore the development of a BCOC human resource arm.
During the conference:
1. attendees will have unprecedented access to fire service leaders,
2. attendees will be exposed to experts in finance and governance,
3. we will be holding elections that will continue to shape the future, and
4. all will have an opportunity to add to the discussion.
I am excited about what is happening in and around the BCOC and hope that you will be there and continue to be supportive. We intend to change the billing cycle so that everyone pays at the same time. This will align with the ByLaws and clear any haze around candidate or voter eligibility. Do not forget that we have Chiefs that have committed to pay registration for those that need assistance. If you or someone you know could use a little help, please contact me. I wish you all the best and many blessings until we meet again.
Joe Dixon
Greetings visitors, friends and colleagues!
A Message From Our Chair
Announcements and Recognitions
We are excited to announce the BCOC Annual Symposium Conference coming up July 8th - 16th! This is a great opportunity to network with other chief officers and colleagues in the field to gain new insights. BCOC will also be holding officer elections this year so be sure to vote.
We also invite you to sign up for volunteer events at the local food bank on July 8th. Spouses are also welcome to join us for special events during the conference. Don't miss out on this amazing event.
Congratulations to Khalilah Yancy on her recent promotion to Deputy Fire Chief of Baltimore Fire and Rescue Department. Also, congratulations to Chief Cerisa Speight who will be graduating from the Carl Homes Executive Development Institute. Kudos to you both! We are proud of you and look forward to amazing things!
BCOC Volunteer Event Signup
Feeding South Florida
Saturday, July 8th 12 Noon
BCOC Conference participants and spouses have an opportunity to give back to the Fort Lauderdale community and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. We are excited to invite you to join us as a volunteer at the local food bank with Feeding South Florida.
In today's world, where many individuals and families struggle to put food on their tables, the need for support has never been greater. The local food bank serves as a lifeline for those facing food insecurity, providing essential nourishment and hope for a brighter future. But we cannot do it alone; we need your help!
Volunteering at the food bank will be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It will allow the BCOC to make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of people in the community. By dedicating just a few hours of your time, we can help ensure that families and individuals have access to nutritious meals and essential pantry items.
Volunteers will help sort through donated food, ensuring that it is safe to go back out to the community. Food donated from food drives, supermarkets and other food industry companies needs to be sorted, checked, and repackaged.
To sign up as a volunteer or learn more about how you can ge t involved, please sign-up here. Slots are filling fast.
The BCOC is proud to announce the Chairman Scholarship Golf Tournament, which will be held on Wednesday, July 12th at 8:00 am. All proceeds from this tournament will go towards the BCOC scholarship fund. We invite you to join us on the range.
The annual Michael O. Randolph oratorical contest is sponsored by . This partnerships allows the BCOC to award scholarships to support the host city’s area students fund their education. We would like to share a letter from a recent recipient, Kamren Mason-El.
Our SPONSORS help us make a difference...
Our Sponsors and Partners
(click on logo to visit partner website)
BCOC at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC)
We recently had the opportunity to meet with a representative from one of our major sponsors, Pierce, at the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis. It was a great chance to discuss our plans for the upcoming year and to thank them for their continued support. We are very grateful to have such wonderful partners working with us to help make our mission a reality.
Black Chief Officers Committee's 2023
The Latest Conference Agenda
Let's make 2023 a banner year. Please consider using your talents to assist the BCOC continue...
"...Lifting as WE climb..."
JOIN
PARTICIPATE
ELEVATE
Conference Theme:
Great Expectation Realized through Relentless Preparation
Joe Dixon, Chair
Member Highlights
Deputy Chief Carrie Edwards-Simmons
The Retirement Celebration for IABPFF President Carrie Edwards-Clemons is upon us. After 23 years of distinguished service to the City of Flint Michigan Deputy Chief Clemons is "taking a break." Join the public safety community in wishing her well on March 11, 2023. UAW Local 651 (3518 Longway Blvd in Flint) will host the event from 6-11PM. Call or text 810.874.5874 to RSVP.
Chief Toni Washington
Meet the New President of Women in Fire!
After beginning her career in another Metro Atlanta Department and departing at the rank of Deputy Chief, Chief Washington joined the City of Decatur in January 2009 becoming both the first African American and first female to serve as the Fire Chief/Emergency Manager.
Chief Washington is only the fourth African American female fire chief in the nation’s history and is now the first African American to be President of Women In Fire.
Chief Teresa Everett
Teresa Everett is a long time member of the IABPF and the BCOC. Chief Everett has recently been named as interim Fire Chief of the Rochester, NY Fire Department (RFD). Everett joined the department nearly four years ago and was the first female Black executive deputy fire chief in Rochester's history.
Chief Everett previously served as chief of training for the RFD and as deputy fire chief in Baltimore, Maryland. She has also served as the fire chief in both Gary, Indiana and College Park, Georgia. Let us collectively wish Chief Everett the very best!
BCOC Learning and Networking at the
2022 Educational Symposium and Annual Meeting
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