Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:
A single parent of two toddlers, Tashonna Williams has mostly worked at fast-food restaurants since graduating Bogan High. She is among 30 young people from the inner city set to begin EMT training on Monday, through $30,000 in donations from the city’s Black Fire Brigade group, to cover their tuition, books, and uniforms.
When black Chicago firefighters launched the nation’s first such organization in June, among their stated mission was to impact inner-city violence by mentoring young people from their new Ashburn neighborhood headquarters at 8404 S. Kedzie. At the grand opening, president and founder Quention Curtis had presented his own personal check for $10,000 to send 10 young people from the South and West sides to EMT school. In the wake of news coverage, however, the Brigade was flooded with inquiries — from young people seeking that life-changing opportunity, and from donors wanting to help.
After the 90-day course, the 15 male and 15 female candidates between the ages of 18 and 30 will receive the certification required for an Illinois EMT license, which is transferable nationwide. They’ll also get job placement from the Brigade, which was founded to preserve the history and heritage of Chicago’s African-American fire and EMS personnel and help prepare more African-Americans for the firefighter exam.
Out of a total force of 5,100 firefighters, 697 are African-American; of 840 paramedics, 53 are African-American.
#1 by The DH on August 12, 2018 - 8:32 PM
Thank you Ray, that is what the group is trying to do…better the inner city, but all some can see and point out any potential negativity.
#2 by Ray Stantz on August 12, 2018 - 5:44 PM
Any opportunity for inner city kids should praised by all. I was hoping to find positive comments but found negative comments by individuals who probably hate to see others given a chance to improve their lives.
#3 by John Antkowski on August 11, 2018 - 8:09 PM
You guys are missing the point. What happened to starting at the bottom. Being an emt or paramedic is about helping people not about your paycheck. With resilience and a fair amount of luck you might get a full time job with a fire department. There are tons of nurses police officers and maybe a few doctors who were emts at one time if you’re looking for a six figure a year job stop looking at pre hospital care!!
#4 by Chuck on August 11, 2018 - 4:00 PM
No, DH – I’m just bringing a point forward that taking the class alone does not entitle you to an EMT license – white, black, or anybody. You think that’s bigoted? Or are you just very, very thin skinned?
#5 by The DH on August 11, 2018 - 1:29 PM
Wow Chuck, did your mother teach you to think before you spoke? Or is it the internet so you decided just to be a bigot because you can?
#6 by Chuck on August 11, 2018 - 10:38 AM
They will be in for a big surprise when they get to the end of the class and there’s a little matter of a State certification exam. They’re not just being handed an EMT license. Although somebody will figure out a way to sue claiming it’s discriminatory and they should be just be licensed.
#7 by Big Moe on August 11, 2018 - 1:53 AM
Unfortunately, most fast food workers make more per hour than private ambulance EMT’s or Paramedics. Most do not make $10.00 an hour as an EMT. They will need to carry on to earn a paramedic license to have a chance at full time fire dept. employment. Still a good idea and can’t hurt. Best of luck.