“St. Petersburg’s Black Community is all too familiar with the struggle for justice in all aspects of life, including the garbage strike, school integration, the achievement gap, baseball, restrictive covenants, segregated swimming facilities, and other segregationist policies and practices.”
BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG — I have been contacted by members of the community who say they are astonished, confused, and annoyed by the recently announced promotions by newly appointed Fire Chief Keith Watts. The first Black fire chief in the St. Petersburg Fire Department’s history, Watts held a promotional ceremony on June 20, where 12 firefighters were promoted. Six to the rank of lieutenant, two district chiefs, one deputy chief, and three captains. All the individuals promoted were white.
Having witnessed the progress in the police department’s culture, Black officer assignments, and promotional advancement under Black leadership, starting with the Courageous 12, community members are expressing disbelief that a black fire chief, the beneficiary of sacrifices made by the black fire pioneers, current Black firefighters and community members, would promote a slate of firefighters void of Black faces.
Fire Chief Keith Watts held a promotional ceremony on June 20, during which 12 firefighters were promoted; however, not a single one was Black.
Those who followed my career know it began when I joined the City of St. Petersburg’s Public Safety Department in 1973 as a public safety agent. I was certified as a firefighter and a police officer. I became readily familiar with a fire culture that was attempting to acclimate to an integrated fire service.
My journey through the fire academy and the various fire stations was made easier with the guidance of Hank Ashwood, Sr., and the Black pioneers who paved the way, proving they could not only serve but also climb the ranks. These individuals were Captain Alphonso Brown, Lieutenant Preston Floyd, and firefighters Eugene Curry, Eddie Utley, and Stan Singletary.
St. Petersburg’s Black Community is all too familiar with the struggle for justice in all aspects of life, including the garbage strike, school integration, the achievement gap, baseball, restrictive covenants, segregated swimming facilities, and other segregationist policies and practices. As much as it pains me to write this column, I know I cannot ignore my community and turn a deaf ear to their dismay and disappointment.
Many question why the ceremony was not widely publicized, with some suggesting “they (mayor and council) know it is wrong.” The fire department has been the subject of numerous news reports and management studies recently, which suggest it needs serious reform. Some are now wondering if Chief Watts is an improvement, given that former Chief Large may have had problems; however, he did promote some Black firefighters.
Interestingly, it is reported that neither the mayor nor the city council members, except for Councilmember Gerdes, attended the ceremony. Additionally, print and electronic media were also not in attendance, according to reports. Some find this extremely odd, given that this was a noteworthy event for a new chief.
Chief Watts is not from this community, and some are questioning whether he is up to the job. As one individual noted, being first requires courage, a sense of history, and a commitment to ensuring a community is adequately represented and served.
One very knowledgeable individual told the group to prepare themselves for the age-old explanation: “The Blacks aren’t qualified.” Others did not miss a beat and responded: “There are many who don’t believe the chief is qualified either, but we showed up to support him.”
I would be remiss if I did not say to all the Black firefighters that you are standing on the shoulders of trailblazers. You owe them and all to follow your very best. Work hard, study hard, and be prepared to walk through the doors of opportunity when they open. Volunteer for acting positions and other opportunities to hone your skills and grow. You owe it to yourselves and those who sacrificed to provide you with the opportunity you currently enjoy.
Chief Watts, city administrators, and SPFD Black firefighters, we must do better.
Our new Fire Chief Watts, just slapped the Courageous 12 in the face, and a double slap for those people of the black community that were the pioneers that helped him during his struggle. You mean to tell me, out of all of the firefighter in the city not ONE was eligible for a promotion? His behavior is no better than white superiors’ of the community that can never find an African American to promote. He has been promoted to this position and seems to be afraid to take a stand for people of color, but when things go wrong on the job for him he will probably come to his community for help. How is he helping his community? Chief Watts how can we back you up when the fire starts, if you don’ t stand up for the minorities in the department.