Phoenix Fire Capt. Courtney Jenkins is the former president of a black firefighters’ group. But he doesn’t focus on race. “I see myself as a man first, and culturally second,” said Jenkins, 55. “I realize there’s only one race, and it’s human.” The captain of Fire Station 57, nestled at the foot of South Mountain, Jenkins has had nearly three decades to craft his philosophy as a firefighter. He joined the Phoenix Fire Department more than a quarter century ago, just before he turned 30. Firefighting wasn’t his original plan. He first applied at the Police Department but was turned down. However, they sent him to the Fire Department with a letter of recommendation. Jenkins has worked thousands of calls, from medical emergencies to apartment fires. He never lets the fear get to him.