For the first time in the 200-year-history of the Rochester Fire Department, an African-American woman has graduated from its academy.
Alissa Turner is one of 19 new recruits who graduated July 21, according to information from city officials. The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 was held at the firefighters’ new union hall on Hudson Avenue in Rochester.
"As Rochester’s first African-American female mayor, I am honored and proud to congratulate Firefighter Alissa Turner for being the first to pass yet another significant milestone in our city’s history," Mayor Lovely Warren stated in a press release. "I look forward to the day when there are no more of these diversity milestones to pass, but until that day comes, I will be more than happy to celebrate each one. … Each of these firefighters is willing to risk their lives to make Rochester a safer place for all our citizens and visitors."
