Veteran's Affairs Plus W/ David L. Washington

Unknown Speaker 0:00
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Unknown Speaker 0:42
You can't see what's going on. What's going on? What's going on? Good morning, Las Vegas. This is Veterans Affairs plus, on any 1.5, jazz and more. I'm Dave Washington, your hosts, along with my engineer producer, Mr. West. Good morning, Wes. He gives me a nod. He's trying to, you know, he's a laid back kind of guy. Look, I want to make a few announcements. In fact, for the next show. I intend to have Deidre Wilson she's with the black achievement fund to talk about meditation, if you will. Also, local business woman, or Lisa Stevens, it is my intent to have her on the show. Again, this is Women's History Month. And I'm just trying to just want to call out some of the ancestor ladies that I've known over the years who gone on to the other side, Jeanne Schmidt, she was a fire investigator, fire inspector for City of Las Vegas, Fire and Rescue. In fact, Genie the guys wanted me instead of genie to be a bomb squad tech, and I tell them You guys better go with that woman because I'm afraid of bombs. So they actually went on a recruiting. Genie went on and did a great job as a bomb squad member for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. Georgia Wimberly, sister of a longtime friend of mine, Paul Wimberly. She is an ancestor now, pearly Mae Morris. Jacqueline Jacquelyn Harris. Audrey Wesley. Audrey is a longtime friend of our family, sister of tours. Just a good person to know, throughout life. Dory Hilson, a friend of my daughter, this is a young woman who passed away and left some children behind, but I know that their grandparents are taking care of them looking out for them for sure. Longtime neighbor and top notch edge educator in the community, Dorothy step. She is an ancestor now a very good lady who did so much in our school district for our young people. So she will always be appreciated. Brenda Ward, passed on Helen Madison, Mary Washington, a longtime friend, Elizabeth Washington rolls Washington. These we were not related that we are aware of. But we all carry that that Washington name a family member who was always at our family reunions, and she passed away at 99 Rose McMillan of Chicago. Again, a good cousin who made all the family reunions and always was up and dancing. And she was again, made them all until she passed away. Darlene banks, other banks found me long time Las Vegas. In fact, Darlene actually passed away when she was on a vacation down in the islands if I'm not mistaken. Brenda Alexander, a neighbor of ours who passed away not so long ago and her her daughter I've mentioned several times did a tremendous letter that was from her father to her mother. And how will he took care of her FCC struck passed away recently. Again, a person that I've known for many, many years. And Miss Smith Reverend Smith's wife, always a lady that was encouraging to folks like me, and then we had Darla Washington that Chef Washington's, and this is a relative, Chef Washington in fact, Darla, the restaurant is in her name over on MLK. So again, a young ancestor going on to the other side. Sylvia Bullock A young lady's mother whom I work for work for from time to time, Miss Sharon Bullock. So just wanted to mention those folks who have gone on they were ancestors who I trust that their families will not stop talking about the work that they did while here on Earth. So just wanted to acknowledge those folks. And again, next month, I intend to have deja Wilson, the black achievement fun talking about meditation, and in business woman or Lisa Steven. So with that, once again, this is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5, jazz and more. Good morning, once again, this is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5, jazz and more. I'm Dave Washington, your host. I'm excited to have my first guest on this morning. She has a colleague, longtime longtime colleague, in fact, I'd like to introduce her now this is Chief Chief, Tony Washington. Hey, Chief, how you doing?

Unknown Speaker 6:04
I'm great. Dave, how are you?

Unknown Speaker 6:07
I am doing well. Doing well. I'm excited. And I appreciate you making time for for our listening audience. In fact, just so you know, cheap, this can be listened to anywhere in the world, make sure that you get that information. So you will know that you can tune in, as well as it also goes to and I like to tell people right on the year this goes to, to podcast so you will be able to pass it along to friends and family and colleagues. But I really appreciate you taking time out to be with us this morning.

Unknown Speaker 6:38
Thank you so much for the invite. I'm really excited about, you know the conversation that we're going to have. Sure,

Unknown Speaker 6:44
sure. So you are a career firefighter. When and where did you start?

Unknown Speaker 6:51
Yes, I am a career firefighter. I actually started my fire service career at the state of Georgia fire marshal's office. And from there I was I get a job was employed with the city of East Point here in Georgia as a firefighter. So I started off at the very beginning.

Unknown Speaker 7:13
Started off at the bottom. Absolutely, absolutely. So I didn't realize you started with the fire marshal's office. Yes,

Unknown Speaker 7:22
yes. So, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Georgia's first African American fire marshal, who at the time was at Bell? There. Yeah, yeah. So chief Bell actually introduced me to the fire service. So that was my introduction to, I guess, the fire department. Yes. I had the opportunity to work with many departments in that Atlanta metro area, right. And at that time, they were a lot of departments here in Atlanta still didn't have women. So, Chief Ronnie few was the fire chief at East Point. And he was constantly recruiting me to come over because he didn't have any women in his department.

Unknown Speaker 8:09
Wow, this is this is really crazy. Because I you know, I know chief Ronnie few very well, as you do. And, gosh, you know, as time goes by you forget some of the connections that we've all made throughout our careers. And I just totally forgot about Ronnie was over, because he left East Point. And I think he went to Augusta.

Unknown Speaker 8:32
Yes. He went to Augusta. Dan, I think he went to the DC area. I think someplace in Alabama. Yeah,

Unknown Speaker 8:39
I'm going to get him. I'm going to get him on here for sure. sometime down the road as a guest. So we actually met at EDI as I recall. And you have been a student and a graduate and also an instructor tell us a little bit about that experience. Because I want people to know what the current executive development institute has done throughout this country. In fact, the world because we've had people from England, we've had people from the Caribbean, we've had people from Africa to come over for that training.

Unknown Speaker 9:11
Yes, yes. So Adi car homes exec executive development institute, was very instrumental in the success that I've had in my career. First big you know, the foundation of becoming familiar with the fire department and all Yes, running peu de give me the opportunity by hiring me but EDI actually prepared me and gave me that roadmap in which I was able to travel and be successful and reach a pain that the highest rank in the fire department, which is the fire chief so they they taught me how to prepare for assessment centers. They taught me some budgeting things they taught me you know, how to lead how to manage it gave me some leadership skills. You know, I got at all of that foundation actually from EDI, and then I was able to take it back to my department and be successful. Great.

Unknown Speaker 10:07
Great. And again, I mentioned you also have and continue to instruct from time to time at EDI.

Unknown Speaker 10:15
Yes, yes, you know, we have to always give back. I am a firm believer in sharing my knowledge and preparing the people that are coming behind me. Because it's just not enough for me to say that I've made it. I don't get satisfaction there. It's always good to say, Okay, I've made it to the top. This is what I aspire to do. But my satisfaction comes from helping other people prepare and then seeing them reach the height of their careers.

Unknown Speaker 10:47
Oh, absolutely. Well, you've done a tremendous job in terms of, because you know, we have had a number of women to actually come to EDI, and graduate. So you've been a tremendous role model for those young women. So we really appreciate that. Because I think when people see someone who looks like them, gender, etc, etc. It makes them feel better about the opportunity that they may get in terms of moving up through the ranks. Something that is very important that I think our listening audience certainly needs to know. And that is, since the friend, Chief Tony, Washington, you hold two very prestigious positions within the fire service. So please, please, please expound on that.

Unknown Speaker 11:33
Yes, yeah. So Durham Fire Service Korea, which has been a span of about 30 years, I've had the opportunity to be involved with many organizations, to include black chief officers, International Association of Black professional firefighters, and how the Infinity group right now I am the president of women in fire, which represents the 11 to 13,000. Women, career women, firefighters, so I actually lead that group now.

Unknown Speaker 12:13
So how did that come about? Is it an elected position appointed position

Unknown Speaker 12:19
is a soul to get in on the board is an elected position and to reach the height of President. It is by it's almost like a secession plan, you start off as the secretary treasurer. And then over the course of the years, you move up as others transition off the board. So I was able to get on as a board trustee. Then from there, I was elected to the secretary treasurer's position, and then moved up from there.

Unknown Speaker 12:57
Yeah, I see the model of group that I'm still paying my dues and a member of NES, the Metro chiefs, the Metro fire chiefs, and they have a model that's similar to that where you, once you get on the board, you move up through the ranks, and then you become a senior past member of the board, which it maintains a level of continuity, I believe, as people go through the various positions. Excellent. Yeah,

Unknown Speaker 13:19
absolutely. I think and, you know, it's much like the fire service, you know, it's very important that, you know, the various tasks and positions of the fire service, you don't have to be that expert, but you need to have at least have knowledge. And we found using that model has been very successful. Because I started off, you know, it's just the trustee, and I learned the history and gained some knowledge and from there, you know, just moved up and that, that it's really helped me be successful. And I will say that over the last few years, our membership has grown tremendously. Excellent,

Unknown Speaker 14:00
excellent. So what is the other position that you hold that you mentioned to me?

Unknown Speaker 14:05
So now I am actually the Center for Public Safety Excellence. They are the the division that's responsible for fire department accreditation, as well as position credentialing. So what they do is they ensure that once you receive your certified chief officers, your fire officers, your fire marshal designation that you have reached all of the milestones and the things they feel to say that you have you are a Absolutely, you have reached all the minimum educational and and experience for this position. So right now I serve as the chair for the credentialing a As a mechanism of that association, so

Unknown Speaker 15:03
I would imagine that there hasn't been too many women in that position.

Unknown Speaker 15:09
No, actually, I am only I was the second African American to actually be a part of that board. The first woman, the first woman to actually serve as chair, there was one African American to dish service chair prior to me, but it was a male in this chief, Reggie Freeman, and he is really responsible for me even being a part of that group.

Unknown Speaker 15:38
Yeah, no, G. Freeman. He's a great guy. Great young brother. Look, this is a Women's History Month. And I certainly like to know if you have any heroes. And she rose that you'd like to mention briefly.

Unknown Speaker 15:51
Oh, yeah, I have a lot of heroes and I issue roles. And first of all, you know, Chief Washington, and I'm still gonna refer to you, as chief Washington, I don't care how long you retired. I, I have to say that, you know, you have definitely been a big influence in my career, as I've gone on, so I would definitely like to pay some respect to you, because it was a lot of things that you provided for me, as I was a student at EDI, to help me be successful as the fire chief. Right. So you are definitely one of them. And there have been many others. But I must say that I had the opportunity to work for the first African American woman fire chief in the United States. And that was chief Rosemary cloud, she really, really gave me the opportunity to really experience all aspects of the fire service and be able to lead and manage and be comfortable with that. And it was under her leadership that I was actually provided that level playing field if I needed to gain that experience. So when it was my time to be cheap, I could be successful. That is one that I've saved, that has been a huge influence in our professional development.

Unknown Speaker 17:20
That is excellent. Let me say this to you. She will be my guest for the following Saturday. So I really appreciate you mentioning her. And look, as we prepare to close out. What would you say to any young woman who may be considering the fire service as a career? What would you say to them?

Unknown Speaker 17:43
I want to say that if they're the fire service is definitely a well kept secret on the fire services provide you with so many fulfilling opportunities, professionally and personally. First, it is a paid job that pays very well. It's also a job that allows you to work about 10 days out a month, and some people less than that. So I would say that if it's something that you think you want to do, I say try it understand that, that that anybody, any minority that gets in the fire service will experience some obstacles and barriers. But don't let that deter you from doing and obtaining your goal. And that's whether you're going to the fire service or doing whatever you want, right? You know, everything comes with this challenges, but we have to make sure that we have this roadmap, and we stay the course of our path and not let anybody take us off of our path. And that's what I would encourage anybody to do is you know, determine what you want to do understand that there will be obstacles and world blocks, but stay on that path. And when you go off, get back on and keep going because many people told us that we could not do it. Look at us now.

Unknown Speaker 19:07
That's right. And look, I want to say this to our listening audience. Something that I also know about this young woman, she was on national TV, and it tell you something about her courage. She has a female executive staff. And you don't see that a lot. You know, that's not to say that women aren't capable, because they are but we appreciate that in you. And any closing remarks?

Unknown Speaker 19:33
No, I would just say you know, please continue. Continue to have strong drives and strong wheels. And know that when somebody tells you no, you can't feel always know that you can and stay your course. Absolutely.

Unknown Speaker 19:51
We'll say chief Tony Washington and your department again.

Unknown Speaker 19:57
My department is the city of Decatur. Georgia.

Unknown Speaker 20:02
Thank you, Chief. And certainly we'll be in touch. Appreciate you.

Unknown Speaker 20:12
Good morning, once again, this is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5, jazz and more. I'm very excited to have my next guest was Sharon Bullock. In fact, I have worked for her on several occasions. She is not meaning she sometimes try to appear to be. She's a very nice lady. I had to put that in Sharon. Good morning. How are you?

Unknown Speaker 20:34
I'm fine. Thank you.

Unknown Speaker 20:36
I'm doing well. I'm doing well. And thank you for, for coming and participating with me on this show. You know, this is Women's History Month. And I'm going to have all my guests this month will be women. And I'm certainly excited to have an opportunity to talk to you on this show. And my I got a question for you, Sharon. When where? And how did you start in the current business. And again, with this being Women's History Month, you're in a non traditional type position.

Unknown Speaker 21:07
Yes, in the construction field, as project manager, Superintendent, you name it, I do it. And I started I started. Boy, when I was just out of high school, I needed a job. So I was in California. And I went through a temp service and I got placed in a metal distribution company. And started out in the shipping and receiving department and just learned everything I could about that, and moved up into sales and purchasing and just kept moving. And then when I moved to Las Vegas in 1992 30, that's 31 years ago, I went to work for a land developer here in Las Vegas. And once again, started started at the bottom and accounting and just you know, just got my foot in the door and then learned that department moved to once again, you know, purchasing and contracts. And do every department just tried to learn everything they possibly could. Right. So where were you from? Originally from England, I moved to America when I was 14, my mother, my brother and I, we moved here and to Los Angeles. And then I was in Los Angeles for about 10 years went to high school there. And then like I said, I moved to Vegas when I was 24.

Unknown Speaker 22:44
Okay, you know, and I interrupted you. So go ahead and complete what you were talking about the various position I can tell you all particularly not just women, but men as well, young men and women out there. Something she said is very important. And that is learn as much as you can when you go on some job or another. And I think it's really paid dividends for going this year.

Unknown Speaker 23:10
Well, I find that, you know, I've taught my children the same thing. You know, a lot of a lot of kids these days, they get out with a high school diploma and they maybe go to college or whatever. And they expect to they expect to be placed into management positions. And in the normal world, you got to pay your dues. And so you know, I've always I've always been get your foot in the door, anything that you want to do get your foot in the door, don't be afraid to sweep some floors, don't be afraid to start from the absolute bottom. Because if you show the work ethic, and you go to work every day, and you work hard, then a position is going to open up and you can grab it, and then you learn everything you can for that department. And then by the time you know a few years have gone by you are indispensable. Because you know too much, because you've learned all the different departments. And you you, you know, you build yourself up and you just keep on going. The position I'm in now, when I started as a project manager, because I obviously had more experience. But, you know, I was afforded the opportunity to learn more in classes, where I do everything I wanted to do learn everything about the business. And so, you know, then I got, you know, the opportunity to be a project superintendent, where I was out there with 300 guys building and I'm running the show, and you know, it first as a woman in construction, it's very, it's very difficult to prove yourself. And you know, of course, you know, that there's the, the, you know, the overall Oh, you know, to get the job

Unknown Speaker 24:52
right and everything you know, and I'm sitting here chuckling because for you out there who don't know this woman she's very petite push you don't play. She is a, you know, you got to have a certain level of command as they say command presence. Well, Sharon has it. And I've seen some of these big old guys looking down at her, and they be shaking in a booth because she don't play and not it may not mean spirit. I'm not saying mean spirited either. I'm just saying matter of fact, I know my job. And you ain't doing this right. And this is what I expect, we expect. Excellent. Would you care to share who you work for your company, the name of your company.

Unknown Speaker 25:30
I work for a nonprofit Developer Community Development Program Center of Nevada, we also a general contractor, National Construction providers, also a property manager of global property management. That's headed up by our executive director Frank Hawkins. And this gentleman, like I said, he has afforded me the opportunity to soar. And I've proved myself and you know, like on a jobsite with these guys, like you were saying, I'm fair I'm from but I'm fair, but I'm also you earn you earn respect, you're not given respect, because your title doesn't come along with the job, you have to earn that respect. And you earn respect by giving respect, will say, oh, there is nothing out there on that field that I won't do, or expect my guys to do that I wouldn't do myself, you know, I will get that down and put the rubber boots on and get in the concrete. I may not do as well as them. And they may, you know, take a punt from me and tell me never come back. But I'm gonna try. I'm not above anybody. You know, titles, titles are irrelevant. Work is what your work ethic and your work performance. That's,

Unknown Speaker 26:41
that's who you are, you know, Sharon,

Unknown Speaker 26:45
respect them. We have teams of construction guys, and we work well together. And we have a good time. And, you know, it's interesting, let's get the job done. Let's get it done fast. Let's get it done on budget. And everybody, everybody leaves the winner. Yeah,

Unknown Speaker 26:59
my son in law worked for a company here locally. And I watched how the people gravitated toward him because he was the general manager. But if he saw a piece of paper on the floor, he would pick it up. Now, you know, most guys wearing a suit, they ain't got time, but he's stupid to pick it up, pick up no dog on paper, but the respect that you get. And again, I'm saying this out of my own experience, and my recognition of you on a job site, and how you handle yourself. And as you said, you cuss nobody out demand no respect, is based upon what you have done, you're showing your ability, and people recognize that and that's, that's a to hold you in high esteem, I must say, Because you are the kind of woman that that men love to have on any kind of site, in terms of taking care of business. So we'll see, we'll see it. Now let me ask you this.

Unknown Speaker 27:57
As a woman, as a woman in construction, it's that goes above and beyond, because you've got to get past that. Stigma, you don't know what you're doing. You don't know, you don't know construction, this and that. So you have to, you have to as a woman in construction, you've got to prove yourself 100 times over. Exactly.

Unknown Speaker 28:18
So as we prepare to close, is there any type of credentials that you or certificates that you look to achieve and have in your, in your, in your personal file?

Unknown Speaker 28:34
Well, like I said, I graduated high school. You know, I did not I did not go to college, I do not have a college degree. But I took every affordable class that I could in the field that I was in, like I said, it wasn't like I went to high school saying, oh, I want to work in construction. I fell into it. And I enjoyed it. And I worked hard and I took every class I could. And you know, just go from there. Unfortunately, in construction, you know, the college degree is not going to teach you what goes on on a job site. That's right. So it's a matter of hard work but anybody out there you know, you go to high school you get your you know, you get your your your diploma, because it's so much harder to go and get back and get a GED. So if you just stay in school, get that diploma, and then any job you want, you just don't be afraid to start the bottom, take that minimum wage, start at the bottom and just work hard and learn everything you can and it will come I

Unknown Speaker 29:35
will say it will say it was sharing as we wrap up things today. I want to again, thank you for coming on the show and sharing some wisdom with our listening audience. And I trust that there are women out there, whether they have veterans or not. I think it's important to note that you don't even as we sit here in the in the hall of the green spa and journalism building and media building where people are seeking degrees. But degrees aren't aren't for everyone. And like you said, to have a degree has its place but by the same token, I know that sometimes in the classroom you'll get theory, but you've been practically doing things. So that goes a long way. So, Sharon, I appreciate you so much and look forward to having you back on the show. And, and I'm still chasing your son as a veteran to get him back on. Thanks. Sure.

Unknown Speaker 30:28
He is is he's he's ready anytime All right. All right.

Unknown Speaker 30:34
Thank you so much. Take

Unknown Speaker 30:35
care. Veteran Affairs plus by by veteran affairs Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5 Jazz and more. And once again West thank you for your direction. And your cohort over there. He was keeping me on point so I didn't get off to bed today. Thanks guys.

Unknown Speaker 31:23
The smoking

Unknown Speaker 31:24
weed

Transcribed by https://otter.ai