[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CAPTAIN LAVERNE SING, THE FIRST FEMALE AFRICAN-AMERICAN 
                              FIREFIGHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Captain Laverne Sing, the State of Mississippi's first African-American 
female firefighter. Captain Sing not only broke down years of 
historical barriers, but also provided safety and security for the 
citizens of the City of Greenville, Mississippi, for many selfless 
years.
  Known as a Delta Pioneer, Captain Sing was born January 16, 1944, in 
Washington County, Mississippi, to a family of five sisters and four 
brothers. She worked numerous occupations leading up to her heroic role 
as a firefighter including telecommunications operator, medical service 
driver and dispatcher, and as Greenville's first female security 
officer for the Greenville Public School District.
  Captain Sing reported for duty in June 1979 to her community as the 
first African-American female firefighter in Greenville without 
allowing prejudice to get in her way. Her selfless acts in fire 
prevention and safety have resulted in the preservation of countless 
lives and incalculable amounts of property. Captain Sing's goals as a 
firefighter were to save lives, save property, and protect the 
environment. She met these objectives every day not only in the 
firehouse and on the scene but in her daily life. Her hard work and 
expert knowledge led to her rapid promotion from a recruit to Captain 
of the Greenville Firehouse. Putting herself in harm's way to save 
precious lives, Captain Sing courageously ran into burning buildings 
and structures when others were running out. Once inside a burning 
building, Captain Sing used the right hand search pattern technique and 
immediately began scouring for and removing trapped occupants by 
following closely along the room's walls and performing the search 
until everyone in the structure was safely out.
  Captain Sing has always displayed a commitment to excellence even in 
the face of unthinkable danger. Her acts of gallantry, perseverance and 
pride exemplify a character that has allowed her to grow and prosper. 
As Captain for the Greenville Fire Department, she was a leader in the 
firehouse and at times performed dispatch services for both the fire 
and police department. She volunteered her time as a public relations 
officer for the fire department where she presented programs in 
community schools, daycare centers and nursing homes that educated 
numerous persons both on escaping a fire and what actions to take when 
faced with safety hazards.
  In 1990 and 1991, Captain Sing served the community as a volunteer 
for the Salvation Army and the Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn 
Center. A decorated firefighter, Captain Sing has received many honors 
including the Department's Outstanding Performance Award and the Flame 
Award from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. As a firefighter, 
Captain Sing worked through many grueling academic courses including 
her national certification in level Fire Fighter One, numerous safety 
programs and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR, training through the 
American Red Cross.
  Captain Sing's exceptional performance of her duties and her barrier-
breaking accomplishments has been recognized at events during Black 
History Month, by churches, associations and community groups. In 1992, 
upon the passing of the brother committed to her care for 18 years, 
Captain Sing, felt the call to be close to her family and resigned 
after over a decade of gallant service to the Greenville Fire 
Department.
  Captain Sing is a proud member of Serene Lodge 20th Century Temple 
Daughters of Elks and a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus 
Christ at the Grace Outreach Church pastored by Rev. Ruben Lewis. She 
is the proud mother of three children, Remelda, Demetria and Lawrence 
Sing. Currently, she devotes her time to children in the Greenville 
Public School System.
  Captain Sing is recognized by the Black Women in Fire Service as the 
State of Mississippi's first African-American firefighter and as a 
leader of the African-American women firefighters in the United States 
of America.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting Captain Laverne Sing, the 
first female African-American Firefighter in the State of Mississippi 
for your dedicated service in fire safety and prevention.

                          ____________________