|
|
Historical Highway MarkersEngine Company No. 9 Fire StationSA-54
On 1 July 1950, the first professional Afro-American firefighters in Virginia were hired and in September were stationed on the northeast corner of this intersection. These courageous pioneers created a loyalty and dedication to each other and their profession notwithstanding discriminatory practices. Harvey S. Hicks, among those first hired, became the city's first black fire captain in September 1961. On 14 June 1963, Hicks and firefighter Douglas P. Evans sacrificed their lives in a rescue attempt. The city integrated the fire department on 6 July 1963 and demolished the fire station in 1968.
Department of Historic Resources, 2000 See a problem? Report it to HighwayMarkers@dhr.virginia.gov. |
DHR could use your help! We don't have a recent image of this marker. If you have one that you'd like to submit for inclusion on this site, please send it to HighwayMarkers@dhr.virginia.gov. |
|
References/Bibliographic Citation: “City to Get First Firemen on July 1,” The Richmond Afro-American 1 July 1950: 1,2; Department of Public Safety, ANNUAL REPORT-1953-1954 and SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES (Richmond, Va., City of Richmond), 9; The Virginia Fire and Police Museum, The History of Richmond’s First African American Firefighters and Police Officers, n.d.; “Richmond to Employ Firemen for First Time in History, Beginning This Month,” Richmond Afro-American 13 May 1950: 6; “Three Killed at Cave-in Site Here,” Richmond News Leader 14 June 1963: 1, 6. Proposed Dedication Date: 1 July 2000 |