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Black Chief Officers Committee
"Lifting As We Climb"
We are a national network of firefighters working to grow our Chief Officer ranks and improve community relations.
The Latest News
We would like to acknowledge and thank Chief Tiffanye Wesley for her service as Chair of the Black Chief Officers Committee. As a trailblazer and the first Black woman to serve in this role, Chief Wesley brought dedication, professionalism, and leadership to the organization during her tenure. We are grateful for the time and commitment shedevoted to advancing the BCOC's mission and appreciate the foundation she helped strengthen during her service. Chief Wesley remains committed to the principle of "Lifting as We Climb" andcontinues to be a valued resource, mentor, and advocate for the fire service profession.
Golden becomes the third Black fire chief in Jacksonville florida’s history. His appointment comes 30 years after Ray Alfred was recruited from Washington, D.C., by then-Mayor John Delaney. Congratulations!
First Time but Not the Last Time
Today’s Black History Month moment 2/12/25: First time in the Trenton Fire Department, we have two African American Battalion Chief’s riding today as North and South Battalion
Shout out to Syracuse's First
On August 15, 1954 The City of Syracuse hired Chester Whiteside as the first black Fire Fighter. He changed the landscape and eventually became the area director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
FDNY's First Black Officer
On Sept. 16, 1927, Wesley Williams made history as the first Black FDNY firefighter promoted to fire officer. Today, his legacy lives on. Each June, the FDNY proudly awards the Chief Wesley Williams Medal for bravery at Medal Day.
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Member Highlights
Congratulations on your distinguished career and service to the “all hazards” response profession. Chief Green has been tapped to join the administrative team of Prince Georges, County.
Congratulations to brother Albert Alston. Fire Chief Alston has accepted a new role as Assistant City Manager in Wilson, NC.
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Well said Chief Folsom
Chief Dixon Black History
"Keeping our communities safe is among the most sacred responsibilities of local government, and finding the right person to lead the fire department and its valued members is critical to its success," … I look forward to chief Dixon getting started in this position and carrying on the department’s legacy of excellence." Said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
Congratulations! Deputy Chief Gregory Lawrence hung up his gear and retired from the Baltimore Washington International Airport Fire Rescue.
With nearly 40 years of dedicated service, Fire Chief Robert Rawls retired from the New Brunswick Fire Department. Congratulations Chief Rawls!
Chief Brewton appointed the new BCOC Education Coordinator. Chief Brewton serves as the Fire Chief of the City of Spartanburg Fire Department in South Carolina.
Chief Travis Francis served as the BCOC Public Information Officer. Chief Francis currently serves the Baltimore County Fire Department, Maryland.