The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department (TFRD) is rolling out a new way to recruit with a focus on the community. Fire Chief Brian Byrd has assigned a specific team to recruit even more diverse candidates. They will work with community leaders like Toledo City Council members and Toledo Public Schools to fill the 50 open spots for the next class. "The fire department, and people have heard me say this before, is 150 years of tradition unimpeded by progress," Byrd said. "We need some progress. We need to do some things differently." Byrd says the time for change is now. He announced Tuesday morning that there will now be a full-time team of at least two people dedicated to finding the right recruits. "First of all we’re looking for people who want to help people. That’s what we do. We’re out there for one purpose. That's to serve the community and help people."