Greensboro Fire Department 2024-25 Annual Report

M I SSION TO RECRUIT

HELPING THE G D REFLECT OUR COMM

ITV

With the retirement of the department's first recruiter, Captain Martin Barrow took the reins in 2024 and is leading the department into a new age of recruitment; one that involves meeting people one on-one to learn more about them and teach them as much as he can to make sure they understand the steps needed to become a Greensboro Firefighter.

Q: What sparked your interest in recruiting and mentorship within the fire service? I never grew up wanting to be a firefighter. At the time, I didn't see anyone who looked like me in the profession. A friend introduced me to Greensboro Fire, and it sparked my interest. Since then. I've had great mentors who showed me the way. Now, I want to give back, help others learn, and expose all communities to fire service as a career. Q: When you hear "reflecting the community we serve," what comes to mind? The fire service is more than putting out fires. We serve, educate, and act as a community resource. That means helping residents in times of need, offering fire safety and prevention programs, participating in community events, and mentoring kids in schools. Being visible and engaged helps the community understand the full scope ofwhat we do. Q: Why is this representation so important to you? When our department reflects the community we serve, residents feel more comfortable, and we bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving. People from different backgrounds approach challenges differently, which strengthens the department. It also ensures that when we respond to someone's worst day, they see a team that looks like and understands them.

Above, Capt. Martin Barrow participates in many employment fairs throughout the year but his biggest impact is reaching people through one-on-one mentoring. Below, Recruitment Team members and NC A&T graduates walked in the A&T Homecoming Parade representing GFD.

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