The NYCFD was is still known as one of the most inbred and racially and culturally polarized place to work, 9-11 not withstanding.I think even Boston has a better record if I remember my stats correctly. And the reason constantly given was , "you need to relate to the person you are depending on to save your life. They need to be guys you went to school with, live in you neighborhood, etc." So that's why integration of the NYCFD, no matter what people want to claim was abysmal. Just look at the pictures of the brave men lost in 9-11.
Not being judgemental, but your reasons kinda sound like the NYCFD reasoning?