Steve Schwartz, CEO Lion Apparel

Steve Schwartz, CEO of Lion Apparel, presents the Lion Apparel mission statement in
a meeting with Lion TotalCare® employees in Dallas, where many of Lion’s employees
and customers speak Spanish.

At Lion Apparel, it is our passion to have an environment that embraces, welcomes and values diversity. This commitment is a part of our core beliefs we strive to live every day. We appreciate the unique contributions of our staff, regardless of their background, ethnicity, race, age, native language, educational level, or sexual orientation.

Diversity in the fire service starts with recruitment. But recruitment is just the first step. The commitment to diversity has to be ever present. Ongoing training and a constant willingness to learn about and accept what is different are vital.

The fire service must also be open to new techniques and ideas. It must adapt its clothing, equipment and practices to be useful and comfortable to use for all members of the fire service. This takes partnership with fire service industry suppliers.

I have numerous examples of this in our business. Globally, we have been asked to provide a range of smaller-sized garments for smaller-sized ethnic groups, special leather-free products for members of certain religious groups, and specially dimensioned garments to better fit women.

With the right tools and training comes the need to create the right environment. I believe the key to succeeding with a diverse group of people is defining and rallying around common goals, such as saving lives in the communities we serve and keeping our fire service family safe.

For fire departments and the companies such as ours that serve them, diversity should be near the top of the priority list. Sometimes that means taking the extra time to make sure everyone understands information that’s being presented and making sure all voices are being heard. But the time and efforts spent are a wise investment, as people truly are an organization’s most valuable asset.

At Lion Apparel, it is our passion to have an environment that embraces, welcomes and values diversity. This commitment is a part of our core beliefs we strive to live every day. We appreciate the unique contributions of our staff, regardless of their background, ethnicity, race, age, native language, educational level, or sexual orientation.

As a global leader in the fire service industry, we have a vested interest and responsibility to be involved in making the fire service a more diverse industry. Representing the communities and customers we serve make us better and more qualified first responders and business partners.