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New
Monroe fire chief is a pioneer, just like Toledo’s new chief
By RAY KISONAS, The Monroe Evening News
MONROE, Dec. 26, 2011 (AP): When he was a young man serving in
the military, Manuel Hoskins III assumed he eventually
was going to pursue a job at the Ford plant in Monroe just like
his father did.
He never considered being a firefighter because, frankly, he
didn't think it was possible for an African-American man to
pursue such a career. But at the urging of a friend, he applied
and eventually became a firefighter.
Now 22 years later, he has been promoted to chief, the first
African-American to be a department head for the City of
Monroe—a true pioneer, just like Toledo Fire Chief Luis
Santiago, who is Latino.
``Even with the odds against him, he came out a winner,'' said
the Rev. Allen Overton, pastor of the Second Missionary
Baptist Church in Monroe.
``We're excited and proud of Manuel and his family. He is a
bright light in Monroe and the African-American community. We're
proud of him.''
For Chief Hoskins, the promotion is the achievement of a career
goal.
``I've always inspired to put myself in a position of
leadership,'' the 47-year-old chief said. ``It brings a lot of
pride to me personally and pride to the African-American
community.''
The lifelong Monroe resident is not afraid to call himself a
pioneer.
Although he does feel extra pressure because any mistake he
makes could be magnified, Hoskins accepted the role because he
feels he earned it and he is confident in his qualifications.
The Air Force veteran earned his master's degree in
organizational leadership from Siena Heights University, Adrian,
in 2006 and rose through the fire department ranks.
Hoskins said exposure to leadership in the military, field and
classroom prepared him for accepting input from others and
making tough decisions.
His immediate goal is to continue working with his staff and
police officers who have been trained to help fight fires in the
city's public safety officer program. He acknowledges some
animosity remains among the firefighters, plans to open lines of
communication to make certain the program works.
He would prefer to have a full staff of firefighters, but
understands a new system is not going away.
``My task is to make the public safety program work as
effectively as possible,'' Hoskins said. ``I'd rather have all
firefighters, of course, but that is not the direction we're
going.''
Hoskins said he will make sure that internal issues do not
affect emergency response and care to the public.
``We're all professionals,'' Hoskins said. ``The citizens are
not going to see a change in service. We're here to serve them,
and that's the main thing.''
The son of Martha and the late Manuel Hoskins, Chief Hoskins
lives in Monroe with Renae, his wife of 25 years. They have two
daughters, Simone, 20, and Raven, 12. He said it was extra
special to be promoted here.
``I love Monroe,'' Hoskins said. ``That's why it's special to be
chief of my hometown fire department.''
Information from: The Monroe Evening News,
http://www.monroenews.com
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