Bryan Hudnell: It was a historic week here for the Syracuse Fire Department. While things may look to be operating as scheduled…behind the scenes one of its fire fighters is climbing up the ranks. Syracuse native Tamica Barnett is the first Black woman to be promoted to lieutenant in the department’s history.
Hudnell: On its social media channels earlier in the week, the department posted a list of promotions that include Barnett’s name among five other firefighters.
Hudnell: Barnett’s involvement in the community ranges outside her work as a fire fighter. She is the owner of her own barbeque catering business called Who Wants Smoke BBQ and catering. The service serves a wide range of meats and sea food as well as other sides, salads, and desserts.
Hudnell: The Syracuse native is also on the city’s school district board of education. Her motivation to serve the Syracuse area is what fuels her to get involved.
Hudnell: “Barnett’s promotion is a part of an ongoing effort from within the Syracuse Fire Department to diversify its ranks. Barnett is one of five Black women ever to work in the city’s department. She is currently one of 13 women employed at stations. In Syracuse…Bryan Hudnell…N-C-C News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Tamica Barnett is making history as the first ever Black female lieutenant for the Syracuse Fire Department.
Barnett was promoted earlier in the week and has been with the department for 10 years. The Syracuse native is one of five Black women ever to serve at the station and one of thirteen women currently there.
Although she is making history as a firefighter, Barnett has made her presence known in the Syracuse area.
The current Syracuse fire chief Michael Monds can relate to Barnett’s historic promotion. Monds is the first Black Fire Chief of the department and has put a lot of effort into recruiting more minorities during his three years as chief of the department.
And Barnett’s resume more than meets the requirements for the promotion.
