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Broadview swears in three firefighter-paramedics; mayor highlights first Black female hire
Summary
The Village of Broadview on March 3 swore in three firefighter-paramedics — David (recorded as “Hour”), Justin Graham and Jasmine Williams — approving each hire 4–0. Mayor Katrina Thompson called Williams the village’s first Black woman firefighter and framed the hires as part of intentional diversity and youth pipeline work.
Broadview’s board unanimously approved and swore in three new firefighter-paramedics on March 3, a move Mayor Katrina Thompson and staff described as part of the village’s drive to diversify its public-safety ranks and build youth recruitment pipelines.
Chief Bryant introduced the hires to the board, saying the department had selected David (recorded in the meeting transcript as “David Hour”) through an experience-based hiring program, that Justin Graham brings extensive certifications and experience, and that Jasmine Williams graduated at the top of her fire academy and paramedic classes after participating in the Black Fire Brigade program.
The board approved the appointments by roll call votes of 4–0 for each candidate and administered the oath of office. After Williams was sworn in, Mayor Katrina Thompson delivered an extended statement noting the historical significance: “today you see the first African-American woman that’s being sworn in as a firefighter,” she said, and described the hire as an intentional step toward equity and inclusion in Broadview’s public safety departments.
Thompson and other officials credited local recruitment and training partnerships with creating the pipeline for the new hires. Chief Bryant said Williams had been an instructor and mentor in a private ambulance setting and that both she and the other recruits bring certifications and field experience that will serve the village’s fire department.
The meeting included a brief photo recess so the junior mayor, who presided, could take pictures with the new hires and the retiring lieutenant honored earlier in the meeting. The board’s formal votes on the three hires were recorded as unanimous (4–0).
The firefighters were sworn in and welcomed to Broadview’s fire department; the village will add them to regular staffing and training rosters in the coming weeks.
