Understanding Equity

Drawing of six people under two apples trees. Half of them are on equal sized boxes but are different heights so they can't all reach the tree. Half of them are on unequal sized boxes, but all of these people can reach the tree
An illustration adapted from the Northwestern Health Unit explains equity using three people of different heights trying to reach fruit on a tree. The fruit represents good health. If treated equally, each person receives the same-sized box to stand on, meaning only the tallest person can reach the fruit. However, equity ensures that each person receives as many boxes as needed to reach the fruit.

 

What is Equity?

According to the City of Baltimore’s Equity Policy, “Equity” is defined as “closing the gaps in policy, practice, and allocation of resources so that race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and income do not predict one’s success, while also improving outcomes for all.” 

Equity in BCFD

The Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of its operations. We strive to:

  • Increase diversity throughout the department
  • Foster an inclusive environment
  • Provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or creed

Who We Are

We are a World Class Fire Department and have been proudly serving the Citizens of the Great City of Baltimore for more than 150 years.

Mission Statement

The Baltimore City Fire Department is a diverse and evolving extension of the community, committed to providing excellent service to all we serve, in a professional and humanitarian way. We pledge to protect lives, property and the environment, through a safe, effective, and timely response. We will be innovative in providing service in emergency medical services, fire suppression, rescue, emergency communication, fire prevention, community outreach and other others.

Community Involvement

The Baltimore City Fire Department continues to build upon the motto: “Pride Protecting People”. Sworn and civilian members strive to bring positive change to residents within the City of Baltimore. As a city agency, BCFD has partnerships with key stakeholders, local community members, and partnering organizations to help strengthen and encourage the community.  Did you know that BCFD has the following programs within Baltimore City: 

BCFD High School Program

A partnership between BCFD, Baltimore City Public Schools, and the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute, this program offers high school students Fire/EMT training. Participating schools include:

  • Douglass High School
  • Dunbar High School
  • Patterson High School
  • Vivian T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy
  • Upon graduation, students qualify to apply for entry-level positions within BCFD.

Camp Spark

A free two-day fire service camp designed for girls ages 12-16 who want to explore a future in firefighting. Camp participants:

  • Develop leadership skills
  • Participate in hands-on Fire/EMS simulations
  • Learn about team building and real-world firefighting experiences
  • Camp Spark encourages more young women to consider a fire service career.

Learn more about Camp Spark

Mobile Integrated Healthcare – Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP)

MIH-CP is a community-based program that provides free, in-home healthcare to underserved Baltimore residents. This initiative is a collaboration between BCFD, the City of Baltimore, UMMC, and UMB to:

  • Improve healthcare access
  • Reduce emergency room visits
  • Address health disparities
  • Serves residents in ZIP codes: 21216, 21217, 21223, 21229, 21201, and 21230
  • BCFD paramedics and nurses with advanced training provide care directly at patients’ homes, offering convenient, unscheduled medical support.

Youth Summer Camp

The BCFD Youth Fire and Life Safety Summer Camp is a week-long program for youth ages 8-16. Campers participate in:

  • Fire safety training
  • Team-building and leadership activities
  • Hands-on emergency response exercises
  • A tour of the Fire Museum of Maryland

This camp provides a unique educational experience, encouraging youth to develop life-saving skills and teamwork.

Equity Statistics

For promotional tracking and data collection, BCFD has made a wide range of statistics available to better understand and manage diversity and inclusion within BCFD. 

View equity statistics