(Washington, DC) DC Fire/EMS Chief Dennis L. Rubin today, announced the appointment of Sergeant Jane "JB” Wallace, as the Department’s first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Liaison Officer.

Sergeant Wallace will plan, develop and promote programs that lead to improved partnerships, cooperation, and communications with LGBT communities throughout Washington DC. Her office will also provide a forum for citizens and business owners in LGBT communities to share their ideas and express concerns about the delivery of Fire/EMS services.

Starting this fall, DC Fire/EMS personnel will begin mandatory diversity training; intended to breakdown barriers and improve communications across all population groups. “Improving community relations is a top priority,” said Chief Rubin.  “Our Department can always do a better job of ensuring high-quality, sensitive and professional service to all of our diverse communities."
 
Wallace is a 19-year veteran of the Department. In 1985 she earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Maryland, University College, in College Park. In 1998 Wallace joined the DC Fire/EMS Department as an Emergency Medical Technician. She graduated from the Department’s Paramedic Program in 1991, receiving the prestigious Harry Chin Award for Academic Achievement. 

Wallace said, “I am honored to be chosen to fill this extremely important position and I plan to go right to work; building effective long-term partnerships within the LGBT community, both in the Department and in the communities we are sworn to protect and serve.”

The LGBT Office will be based in Fire/EMS Headquarters, 1923 Vermont Avenue, NW. The LGBT Liaison Office phone number is (202) 673-3678. Sgt. Wallace’s cellular telephone number is (202) 321-8914, and her email address is jane.wallace@dc.gov.