Brent F. Burton Diversity starts with proper development of our children in inner city areas. Organization: African American Firefighter Museum Location: Los Angeles, California Website: www.lacostentorians.org

Biography:
Brent F. Burton was born and raised in the Crenshaw / Leimert Park district of the city of Los Angeles. At the age of 16, Burton became an Explorer Scout with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He was introduced to the Stentorians', an organization of Black firefighters in Los Angeles founded in 1954.

Burton became a member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1985 at the age of 19. He became a paramedic at the age of 21 and he became a board member of the Stentorians at the age of 23. At the age of twenty-eight, Burton promoted to the rank of Captain. At the time of his promotion, he was the youngest company officer in the Department. His demonstrated leadership and ability enabled him to earn this position
Burton is currently the President of the African American Firefighter Museum. He is also the President of the Stentorians, an association of African American Fire service professionals.

During his 22-year career in the fire service, he has been able to serve in various capacities and develop many projects. Burton currently serves as an instructor at the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute that is held annually on the campus of Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. Burton is the creator and director of the Stentorians Junior Fire Cadet program that targets elementary school students in the areas of self determination and physical fitness. He also serves as the senior instructor at the James Shern Fire Academy in Compton California.

Burton lectures on the history of African Americans in the Fire Service. He conducts presentations on how to become a firefighter, disaster preparedness awareness and he has served as a motivational speaker for youngsters of all ages.

Burton is very active in the Los Angeles community as a collaborator with many organizations, elected officials, activist and schools. Burton has assisted many young men and women in becoming firefighters and helped those on the Department promote to positions of higher authority.

Burton resides in Southern California with his family. More information about Captain Burton’s achievements can be found on the Stentorians’ website at www.LACOstentorians.org

Availability:
Available to speak about diversity, urban development for children, and the history of African American firefighters. Also, available as a motivational speaker.