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Waukegan Fire Department news
In recent developments from the Chicago Tribune, Waukegan officials are taking significant steps to increase diversity within its police and fire departments. To attract more minority applicants, recruiters have visited local technical schools and churches, and have set up booths at various community events. Additionally, the mayor has actively engaged with both English and Spanish-speaking radio audiences to spread awareness.
This initiative comes after months of careful planning, driven by longstanding concerns from community leaders and activists about the underrepresentation of minorities—particularly Black and Latino individuals—in the departments. According to city data, only 18% of Waukegan's 150 police officers are Hispanic, and just 7% are Black. In the fire department, out of 120 employees, there are only six Black members and three Hispanic members. By contrast, the city itself is 53.4% Hispanic and 19.2% Black, based on 2010 census figures.
Mayor Wayne Motley, who served 26 years as a police officer before retiring as a sergeant, expressed concern over the discrepancy. He noted that during his tenure, the department had a more diverse workforce. This imbalance is partly attributed to the negative perceptions held by many in the Black community toward the police department. To address this, the city has been implementing recommendations from the Citizens for Progress Committee, established by the mayor last fall, and is following through with changes suggested during ongoing mediation with the Department of Justice and organizations like the NAACP and the Latino Advisory Committee.
Deputy Police Chief Mark Stevenson emphasized that these recruitment efforts aim not only to diversify the departments but also to foster deeper engagement with the community. Fire Chief George Bridges Jr., who is African-American, highlighted the importance of continuing dialogues initiated through youth programs, such as the Waukegan Explorer Post, which encourages young people, particularly those aged 15 to 21, to consider careers in firefighting and emergency medical services. The fire department currently employs five women, three of whom work in administrative roles, while the police department has 16 female officers, including four Hispanic, three Black, and one Native American.
Efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent will extend beyond the current hiring cycle, which occurs biennially. The city is refining its application process to prioritize Waukegan natives, a policy that has long awarded extra points to local residents. Recently, the city decided to further incentivize graduates of Waukegan High School, while removing the advantage previously given to college graduates, which tended to benefit white applicants disproportionately.
Despite these measures, Fire Chief Bridges acknowledged uncertainty about whether they will achieve the desired outcomes. Mayor Motley, however, expressed confidence in their outreach efforts, stating, "We have done everything possible to ensure everyone knows about the testing opportunities." Applications for the Waukegan Fire Department remain open until July 29, with deadlines set for August 5. Meanwhile, the police department will accept applications through September 1. For more information, interested parties can visit the city’s official website at waukeganil.gov.