Mayor, fire chief appear at odds after Calgary's top firefighter says he can't release workplace reviews

I work with firefighters regularly, and I’m a gay man. The “bro” culture is extraordinary strong and toxic in firehalls. If you’re not straight, often white, and stereotypically masculine, you are ridiculed and mistreated. It’s not every firehouse and every firefighter, but it’s many, and a major problem. It’s specifically why I chose not to become a firefighter.

There’s a reason firefighting has comparatively low numbers of women, people of colour, and sexual minorities as members. And those that are in the ranks are treated badly.

They don’t want to release the reports because they’re terrified what’s in it will tarnish the carefully nurtured “hero” and “selfless” stereotype that they crave. The reality is very different. The firefighting industry needs a massive culture change.

/r/alberta Thread Link - cbc.ca