MESA, Ariz. — The East Valley United Black Firefighters want to make sure anyone in their community who wants to succeed in a career in the fire industry will have mentorship.
Shift Captain Langdon Alexander told 12News the organization was established at the end of 2021 and lends a hand to help recruits succeed not only through the hiring process but also through the academy itself, then probation and their career as they advance in the field. Their impact has already helped roughly 25 people get hired within the industry.
"We focus our volunteering and community outreach to the African American community in the Valley. We have been able to participate in numerous 'Back to School' events, Toy Drives, Black Student Unions, furnishing low-income families, building ramps for homeless veterans, Cancer walks with the AZ Diamondbacks and so much more," Alexander explained.
Back in 2022, 635 volunteer hours were tracked within the organization, along with numerous hours spent at the East Valley Institute of Technology Fire Science school in Mesa.
"There, we helped teach and prepare the high school students in the Fire Science program to fulfill their dream of becoming part of the department," Alexander said.
Along with volunteer events, the organization is heavily involved in other African American non-profits and professional development groups such as the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, NAACP, BASE Arizona and the "Spread Your Wings Foundation."
For more details on the organization, visit their website here.
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