City of Miami makes history, appoints first African-American fire chief

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The City of Miami's Fire Department made history by appointing its first African-American fire chief.

The City of Miami Fire Department has been around since 1896, but more than a century later, it is now making history. Maurice Kemp, a 24-year veteran, was officially sworn in Friday morning as the department's first black fire chief. "It's a sign of progress, so I'm excited to be the chief, and I know that it is noteworthy that I am the first African-American chief," Kemp expressed.

Firefighters from around South Florida, city commissioners and chief Kemp's family packed into a ballroom at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel to witness the swearing in. "It's time that we have a person that's deserving and has worked hard all his life. It's more than just him being the first African-American chief, he is a very qualified person," said James Kemp.

"I'm particularly thrilled and honored that it is during my watch that this great fire department will have its first African-American chief. I'm so proud of that," said Mayor Manny Diaz.

Kemp has been appointed to replace retiring chief William Bryson, and he will have to deal with deep budget cuts and how they will effect the department. "I've been working closely with the union presidents, the city manager and their administration to develop plans to provide services to the citizens but at a less cost. We're working on plans continuously. We will continue to provide excellent service," said Kemp.

Then there's the past and allegations of hazing and racism within the department. Kemp was a part of the department at the time and said a lot has changed. "Fire service in general has become more professional. The things that were commonplace then are not commonplace now. We don't have those types of incidents anymore," Kemp said.

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