MIAMI — A photo of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s newest graduating class is raising questions about diversity within the department.

A group of retired firefighters says the image is concerning and is now speaking out about the hiring process.

“We knew firsthand what the department can and cannot do” said William D.C. Carter, a former Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighter. “We spoke directly to the fire chief and voiced our concerns. The mayor agreed. There was a lot more work to be done.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava acknowledged the concerns.

“We’re fully committed, and it’s a very productive conversation that we’re having,” Levine Cava said.

The department says Recruit Class 159 was selected from an expiring eligibility list, which significantly limited who could be hired.

Officials add that national recruiting challenges, a smaller applicant pool and urgent staffing needs made this class an outlier -- not a reflection of the department’s overall commitment to diversity.

“What came away from this meeting was just an ultra-positive experience -- a more strong and shared vision and partnership in the recruiting process so we can accomplish the goals that both sides wanted to get,” said Charles Francois, a captain with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

MDFR tells Local 10 News that a new class is underway and provided a breakdown of the 34 recruits.

Nine are Black, 20 are Hispanic and five are white. There is no date set for graduation yet.

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