Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum 2620 W. Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53206 414-372-7677 - Phone
African American Firefighters: Our Brothers Under Fire
Unlike many other cities who have had African American firefighters for the past hundred years, Milwaukee's experience with African American firefighters is less than 60 years old.
Fifty-nine years ago, on October 1, 1948, the city of Milwaukee hired its first African¬ American firefighter - his name was William Emerson Curry. Curry, a World War II veteran and family man, had no idea that he would make history as Milwaukee's first African-American firefighter paving the way for many and creating the gateway to civil rights struggles and triumphs for Milwaukee's public service sector. He was quoted in a previous interview saying, "I was simply looking for a job. "
Hiring African-Americans into the Fire Department has always been a begrudging issue. The environment and culture of the firehouses have been compared to those of country clubs. It's unique environment, in which the firefighters live together in the firehouse, created a bond and exclusiveness that proved difficult to breakdown and diversify when hiring minorities.
As a result of the country club culture, generational "inheritance" into the department, low turnover, and discriminatory testing, being African-American with aspirations of becoming a firefighter could, at times, be a daunting effort.
The Importance of the Firefighter
Being a firefighter is a very important and special job; the occupation of firefighter is one of the most honorable job titles one can hold. It is a selfless job where one must be able to overcome fears, "When every living creature is running out of a building we're running in" (Interview with Ronald Prescott, Sept. 2006). Furthermore, firefighters do not solely put out fires; they truly are there to help maintain public safety for the people of the cities they serve. Therefore, answering calls including heart attacks, car accidents, shootings, stabbings, and many others, their job tasks range from very manageable to extremely dangerous and demanding.
In addition to, and by virtue of the commendable nature of their job, firefighters can be great role models. They are frequently seen in the community conducting public education programs of prevention and safety and are often involved in charitable works. Most notably we see them giving demonstrations in schools and the workplace. The firefighter is always associated with the good deed of helping one's fellow citizen. Representing such attributes as responsibility, public safety, courage, and humility, the firefighter is an asset to every community.
African American Firefighters: Our Brothers Under Fire tells the good and the bad of the experience of African American firefighters in Milwaukee. This intriguing story will give you a new found respect for those brothers and sisters who serve our communities.
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