Jake Wagman of the St. Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that on Tuesday five firefighters were promoted to the rank of battalion chief, ending a long, contentious battle between former Fire Chief Sherman George and Saint Louis Mayor Francis Slay.
The conflict between George, who is African American, and Slay was over the long held belief that the 2004 test used to determine promotions was culturally biased against African Americans. George refused to grant any promotions until the results of a federal court case, which tested the viability of the bias claim. The federal court ruled that the 2004 test was not discriminatory. George was then ordered by Mayor Slay to approve the 2004 promotions. George refused, which served to anger not only Mayor Slay but the White fire fighters as well.
And what about the charges that the 2004 was culturally biased and discriminated against ethnic minorities?
The small group of promoted personnel included two African American males and the highest ranking female in the history of the St. Louis Fire department.
Although the issue of the promotions has been set aside, the question is how will Mayor Slay and his administration deal with the racial conflict which this matter has created. White and African American firefighters, although represented by the same union IAF Local 73, are far from unified on this issue. African American firefighters have lobbed charges of racial discrimination against their union, while White firefighters publicly supported the ouster of Sherman George.
Something will have to be done to foster a sense of harmony among the firefighters. If not, this will serve to destroy the harmony of what was once considered a treasured brotherhood.