CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles hosted a town hall meeting Saturday morning about police and fire careers for women and minorities.
The town hall was held at the Charlotte Fire Department headquarters on Dalton Avenue, where community members got a chance to question firefighters and police officers about what it takes to join the ranks.
One woman told Eyewitness News she and her son are interested in police and fire positions.
“It’s always better to have people from your community than having people coming from the outside in, because you're going to know more of what’s been going on, so it’s going to serve the public,” said Martha Avery.
Channel 9 has reported extensively that CFD is facing scrutiny over its hiring and promotions practices, and city leaders and employees are concerned about the lack of diversity.
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The city's first black female officer, Linda Lockhart, asked the city to investigate the department.
The chief is adamant about the department trying to bring in more minorities and he denies any discrimination.
Fire officials said events like Saturday’s town hall help recruit diverse candidates.
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