Achieving diversity in the fire service is challenging for most departments and should be a continuous work in process. Many times, there is an unconscious struggle to achieve diversity in the fire service, and many departments have worked hard to provide a diverse workplace. This class will assist chiefs, staff officers, and firefighters in developing and implementing proactively a program that incorporates components of other current successful programs, the law, and psychology. Firefighters and fire departments unnecessarily find themselves in legal jeopardy because the department does not have a comprehensive diversity program. Just as important as avoiding legal jeopardy is preventing and mitigating the psychological harm to firefighters, the department, and the community when there is a lack of attention to issues of diversity. Departments and fire personnel struggle with multiple barriers when creating a diverse workplace. A prominent barrier is the culture of the fire service, which is steeped in outdated traditions. All members in the fire department, from the fire chief to the probationary firefighter, must understand the importance of having a comprehensive diversity program.