First black woman hired by CFD speaks out on hiring more black women

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The first African-American woman hired by the Charlotte Fire Department called for the department to hire more black women.

Linda Lockhart’s comments come amid accusations the department treats minorities unfairly.

Lockhart, the storekeeper with the Charlotte Fire Department, spoke to City Council members for the first time since the accusations were made.

Lockhart said she believes Fire Chief John Hannon is not hiring enough minorities and the only way to fix the issue is for the department to get new leadership.

Lockhart said that after 25 years, she is no longer scared to speak out against the department.

“It's time for them to stop bullying people,” Lockhart said. “People are scared to speak up, people are scared to do anything because they don't know what's going to come behind them. I mean, they hold a grudge forever.”

[PAST COVERAGE: CFD leaders respond to allegations of failing to promote women, minorities]

Channel 9 looked into several anonymous letters from Charlotte Fire employees claiming an unfair process that hurts women and minorities.

Channel 9 asked Hannon about those letters last week and he said the accusations of discrimination are false and that he promotes officers based on exams and recommendations from deputy chiefs.

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