Austin Progressive Fire Chief Promoting Based on Diversity & "Change"

The Austin Fire Chief's decision to promote three men is causing unrest within the department. Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr is trying to increase diversity within her management team.

She wants to promote Lt. Matt Orta who is hispanic, Lt. Richard Davis who is African American and Battalion Chief Harry Evans who is white to Assistant Chief and increase their salaries to $120,000 a year.

"It's change and change does create some conflict, we all know change is difficult," Chief Kerr said.

Palmer Buck with the firefighter's nnion says this kind of change is also expensive and sends the wrong message to firefighters during a tough economic time.

"Firefighters can't have their physical fitness equipment repaired, there's no budget for it, but we want to approve two new un-needed executive level positions," Buck asked council members Thursday.

Representatives with the firefighter's union are also upset that two lieutenants are being promoted to assistant chief, ahead of dozens of higher ranking AFD employees. But city officials say there is a more important goal at stake.

"There's another struggle taking place here as well and that's us working toward making the fire department more progressive," said Assistant City Manager Michael McDonald.

City officials say two AFD assistant chiefs recently retired so the promotions will cost the department only $10,000 more per year.

The Austin City Council still has to approve the promotions but Thursday they voted to postpone the decision until June 11.

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[backdraftmagnet]

i wonder how much the reporters get paid

[TrailerParkRights]

@backdraftmagnet no idea

[TheToolDude]

If those three guys get that unfair promotion, think how much their co-workers are going to despise and distrust them. I think when there is that much blatant unfairness in work situations, the effectiveness and efficiency of the work they are supposed to be performing goes way down.

[booboo1343]

Lazy Blacks.....Richard Davis has A Masters Degree, Bachelors and Associate Degree. He served 8 yrs in the Air Force and has tauught at the Austin Fire Acedemy and was in charge of the Curriculum that is taught at the Academy. He all of his Fire Dept certifications and then more. Why would you call him Lazy? All Black People are Lazy like you mention. do your research before commenting. I

[backdraftmagnet]

@TheToolDude what if its not their choice... someone asked them, "do u want more money?" id say....sure.

[TheToolDude]

I see, counter discrimination with more discrimination. My discrimination is better than your discrimination.

How about NO discrimination and as Dr. King said, That people are judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

[aaaffa2008]

If racist unfair practices didnt take place years ago in AFD then this need to promote using these methods wouldnt be needed. This is just one small act to correct the unjustice that must and will be addressed. Wrong will not be allowed to run unchecked.

These are qualified men that can do the job and the Chief acted within her powers without violating any laws or policy.

[randalReps]

Look what happens when a woman is in charge . . .

[booboo1343]

They were already making 82000. I dont see much difference

[booboo1343]

Your right!!! I'm black and I was wondering when the good old boy system would finally go away. Im being sarcastic if you havent noticed.

[joshfif]

what does change have to do with paying these guys over 100 grand a piece???????????