KCKFD Convenes a Department-Wide Training with National DEI Experts

Published on August 01, 2023

Nearly 500 employees of the KCKFD and UG participated in this learning opportunity

Last week, the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) hosted an innovative professional development experience. Convened by interim KCKFD Chief Dennis Rubin, these trainings featured subject matter experts Dr. Byron Kennedy and Kiawana Kennedy of Kennedy Consulting Firm as facilitators of ten (10) four-hour Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Fairness (DEIF) trainings at Memorial Hall.

Over 475 KCKFD and UG employees took advantage of this impactful learning opportunity. During the training employees learned firsthand definitions and concepts concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, and fairness in the workplace. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions with other UG staff members at various levels and highlighted ways this training can be implemented into their daily work that serves the community.

“To ensure that organizations, like our Unified Government and in particular our Fire Department, has a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Fairness is in everyone’s best interest,” said Interim Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin.  “DEI will keep us focused on what is important for our great community and meaningful to our great employees. The last element of the KCK Fire Department’s Mission Statement is to Be Nice and Be Kind.  DEI becomes our road map.”

As organizational and cultural shifts continue to occur at the Unified Government and in our community, DEIF must be included in every facet of decision making and community engagement.  The Unified Government Human Resources Department, along with community partners will continue to offer DEIF trainings and refreshers courses for staff to better serve the Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas community.  

For more information about the KCKFD, please visit Kansas City Kansas Fire Department (kckfd.org)

###