Fire Chief Keith Watts held a promotional ceremony on June 20, during which 12 firefighters were promoted; however, not a single one was Black.
BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG — As you might imagine, stories are swirling fast and furious regarding the recent fire department promotions of all-white firefighters. I’m being contacted by so many people regarding the situation. Some are in disbelief, and some are requesting more information regarding the process and the city’s rule of five.
I’m pleased to report that no one has displayed any animosity against the individuals promoted, based on what has been described as Fire Chief Watts’ lack of courage and commitment to the principles he espoused while lobbying for the job.
Fire Chief Keith Watts
Many were surprised to learn that Chief Watts had served as the administrative fire chief under former Chief Jim Large for nearly six years, with responsibilities that included overseeing the promotional process, among other duties. Some even indicated that they were told by Watts that he inherited the promotional lists and that Black firefighters did not test and were not on the list.
I think they may have misunderstood Chief Watts regarding Black participation in the promotional process. While the total population of Black people in the fire service did not participate in the promotional process, neither did the total population of white firefighters. Yet, white firefighters were promoted while Black firefighters on the list were not.
Some erroneous statements regarding the promotional lists have also been attributed to a few Black firefighters. Hopefully, they will seek informed individuals in the fire service and retrieve the correct information. Regarding my columns, I am always available to discuss them with interested individuals. One need only call the Challenger and speak with my editor, and she will ensure contact is made.
Leadership is attractive to many, but not all possess what it takes to fulfill its requirements. President Harry Truman reportedly said, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” Once in a position of leadership, tough decisions will have to be made, and many who attain the elected or desired organizational office find they are not suited or equipped to enact the changes they campaigned on. Many times, they lack the courage to walk the path seldom traveled. My twist to Truman’s admonishment is: “If you can’t stand the heat, don’t pursue the kitchen.”
Elected or appointed positions of leadership should not be pursued solely to build resumes or for ego inflation. Serious, life-sustaining decisions are frequently required, and we as a people cannot afford to have individuals elevated who will perpetuate the status quo because they lack the courage and commitment to do otherwise. And at all costs, don’t seek and obtain support from others based on false promises and misrepresentations. Chief Large was held accountable. You should not be exempt simply because you are Black.
Given the St. Petersburg Fire Department’s history and the recent management studies’ findings, it is difficult to understand how any newly appointed fire chief, regardless of race, could make such a large slate of promotions virtually in private and not ensure that the department and community were represented.
Individuals on the list could have been promoted to classified positions regardless of their respective numerical ranking, as demonstrated by the fact that Chief Watts selected individuals for promotion who were white and ranked lower than some of their other white counterparts. Additionally, he had the option of promoting individuals into exempt positions, whether they were on a list or not.
The current situation is such that while the recent promotions were made void of Black representation, Watts still has the positions of suppression chief and administrative chief to fill. In other words, he has another opportunity. Let’s hope he is more thoughtful with his subsequent decisions.
Dr. Goliath Davis is a former St. Petersburg police chief and deputy mayor who advocates for education in Pinellas County, focusing on Black student achievement.
We definitely need more information on this matter. We need to know how many Black members were even considered. We need to know the criteria and why no black member met the criteria. After 6 years in a supervisory position, I would hope that the current chief was mentoring Black and white members of the department. What is the make up of the Department, White males, White females, Black males and Black females. Seniority is also important, we need that information.