New York City Fire Department opens doors for diversity: Meet the first Black sisters on the force

In a historic milestone for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), sisters Ashley and Shanah Laroche have demonstrated remarkable courage as the first Black sisters to join the ranks of New York’s Bravest. Their inspiring journey into the fire service highlights the department’s evolving diversity. It serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring firefighters, showing that doors are open for those with the courage to step through.

Ashley Laroche, who has served for five years, and her sister Shanah, a firefighter for two years following a five-year tenure as an EMT, shared their personal stories and motivations behind joining the FDNY. “Seeing a Black female firefighter as a role model gave me the confidence to pursue this career,” Ashley explained. “Once I started training and got into it, I also encouraged my sister to join.”

Shanah echoed her sister’s sentiments, noting that seeing a Black woman in the field influenced her decision to transition from school to firefighting. “It was an adjustment, but knowing that others had paved the way made it possible for me to do it too,” she said.

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh surrounded by officials and firefighters during the launch of their recruitment campaignPhoto courtesy of the FDNY

Their stories underscore the importance of representation and mentorship in opening doors for recruits. Both sisters now serve as invaluable mentors, embodying the values of dedication and courage that the FDNY seeks to promote. Their journey is a testament to the support and guidance available within the department.

The FDNY’s recent recruitment campaign, “ALL HEROES WELCOME,” clearly reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to increasing diversity within its ranks. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have emphasized the need for a workforce that mirrors the city’s rich cultural tapestry. The campaign aims to attract a broad range of candidates to fill firefighter positions, focusing on creating a department that reflects and values New York’s diverse communities.

The campaign includes multiple resources for potential recruits, such as free exam prep sessions and physical fitness training, to help candidates prepare for the upcoming firefighter exams. This is the first time in seven years that the FDNY is offering a new firefighter exam, highlighting the department’s renewed focus on expanding its workforce.

Firefighters during the recruitment campaignPhoto courtesy of the FDNY

Interested applicants should sign up at https://firefighter.joinfdny.com/, email recruitment@fdny.nyc.gov, or call 718-999-3369 for information on registering for the Firefighter exam’s open filing.

The FDNY is looking for dedicated individuals who are ready to contribute to their communities and take on the challenges of this crucial and rewarding profession.

As New York City continues to celebrate and support its diverse heroes, the stories of Ashley and Shanah Laroche inspire future generations to see themselves in roles they might have once thought unattainable.

Currently, 28% of FDNY firefighters are minorities, including 16.5% Hispanic, 10% Black, 2.5% Asian, and less than 1% Native American. Additionally, women make up 1.6% of the force. The most recent graduating class from the Fire Academy in March was over 50% minority, with 3.3% of the graduates being women.