Columbus police and fire divisions this week have welcomed their most diverse recruitment classes in recent years, the city Department of Public Safety reported.
Forty-five new Columbus police recruits and 35 new city fire recruits began working toward careers as first responders this week.
Nineteen members of the Division of Police recruitment class are female or non-white, representing about 42% of the entire class.
Columbus Division of Fire reported 40% of this class are female or non-white.
“We are excited to see these qualified men and women coming to the (police division) with a desire to serve the residents of Columbus and be trained by the best," said Jennifer Knight, deputy police chief. "The division is excited about the opportunities this class represents for the division and the citizens of this city.”
Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ shared the sentiment.