Inside the firehouse

Re “African American to run L.A. Fire Dept.,” Dec. 4

I object to the headline of Monday’s lead article announcing the imminent hiring of Douglas L. Barry to run the Los Angeles Fire Department. Why not write, “A 31-year veteran to run the LAFD” or “Asst. fire chief chosen” or “Highly praised veteran to lead LAFD”?

Of course his ethnicity is important, but having it as the first words in the headline places it as his most important attribute and even suggests that he was chosen because of his skin color. Experience, competence and management abilities are the most important part of the story when writing about the person who will oversee the fire department of the second-largest city in the United States.

HERBERT A. MEDINA

Los Angeles

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Re “Firehouse culture an ordeal for women,” Dec. 3

I’d say most normal people are mystified by the firefighter fiasco. While lawyers and politicians squabble over the details and psychological motives behind the decades-long behavior, it’s obvious to any reasonable person that this is classic fraternity or clique behavior that most people outgrow early in life. Is it harassment, bonding, sexism, racism or a practical joke? Yes to all the above.

What’s baffling is that the city engages in soul-searching again and again about how many millions of dollars it needs to pay for restitution. Has the city ever considered firing someone for jumping in the bed of a female co-worker or shaving the genitals of a city worker while on the payroll? Who believes it will have any behavioral effect whatsoever whether the current litigant gets $2 million or $4 million?

JOHN VASI

Santa Barbara

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I have three close friends who are local firefighters, and my son-in-law is a rookie firefighter. I think there is nothing more noble than saving lives, and, of course, this is what a firefighter does.

The culture of the firehouse is not devoted to dealing with the sensitivities of individuals (female and male); it is one of preparation for the mayhem that will come into their lives as firefighters. The tone of your article (or argument) is that it’s a male-versus-female world in the firehouse culture. I do think you have some valid points, but it is, sadly, a biased article. Also, your story did not point out the high degree of cooperation that already exists in the service. We should give thanks for the fine public services we have here in Southern California.

JOHN MEADE

Dana Point