Two longtime IAFF members, Leroy Heyward, vice president of Boston, MA Local 718, and Bo Chaney of Rockford, IL Local 413, are leading efforts to improve recruitment and retention in the fire service.
With over 27 years of service in the Boston Fire Department, Heyward made history as the first person of color to be elected vice president of Local 718. He has held several key roles with Local 718, including house steward, Sergeant at Arms, and served on the Executive Board.
“My uncle inspired me to join the fire service, but what has kept me going is the ability to help others. I find great satisfaction in knowing that I played a part in saving lives, like when we revive someone in cardiac arrest. Of course, not every situation ends positively, but those moments of success are what make it all worthwhile,” said Heyward.
Heyward and Chaney, both members of the IAFF’s Elected Human Relations Committee (EHRC) representing African Americans in the fire service, have been key advocates for underrepresented groups in the fire service. They have both played a vital role in shaping recruitment and retention policies, working to make fire departments more reflective of the communities they serve.
I find great satisfaction in knowing that I played a part in saving lives.
Local 718 vp and elected human relations committee member leroy heyward
“I never really saw myself reflected in the fire service before I joined. I was never exposed to the fire service at a young age, and I never knew it was a possibility. But now, I write books and coloring books to try to get people motivated to become fire fighters,” said Chaney. “The Human Relations Committee is vital in making sure once people join the fire service, they feel welcomed and are treated right.”
Chaney took the leap into firefighting, and now, years later, he’s helping others take that same step.
“I was a young teacher when I was approached to join the fire department,” Chaney said. “At first, I didn’t think it was for me, but after a few conversations, I realized that this could be my path to making a difference.”
The Human Relations Committee is vital in making sure once people join the fire service, they feel welcomed and are treated right.
local 413 and elected human relations committee member bo chaney
Both Chaney and Heyward agree that mentorship is a crucial part of their work, as they encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in public service. “I want my story to show that anyone, whether from inner-city Chicago or a smaller town like Rockford, can succeed in the fire service,” said Chaney.
“Don’t give up. Challenge yourself, learn the job, and help others behind you,” Heyward said. “By sharing stories, and embracing our history, we can avoid repeating mistakes and become better fire fighters.”
To learn more about the IAFF’s Elected Human Relations Committee, visit the link here.
