[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH YEAR OF DESEGREGATION OF THE CITY OF MEMPHIS FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th year of 
desegregation of the City of Memphis Fire Department. On July 11, 1955, 
twelve African American men were recruited to join the Memphis Fire 
Department and were assigned to Fire Station No. 8 located at E.H. 
Crump and Mississippi Boulevards. They were: Robert Crawford; Carl 
Stotts; Floyd Newsum; Norvell Wallace; George Dumas; John Copper; 
William Carter; Leon Parsons; Richard Burns; Lawrence Yates; Leroy 
Johnson; and Murray Pugues. Like many African Americans who worked to 
break the barriers erected by Jim Crow era laws, there were many 
challenges to being the first to integrate the fire department, but 
their love for the city of Memphis and desire to keep citizens safe 
from harm helped them to overcome the challenges with the highest 
levels of determination and professionalism.
   For many years following integration, racial differences dictated 
how African American firefighters responded to fires. In his book 
``Black Fire: Portrait of a Black Memphis Firefighter,'' Robert 
Crawford recalled how the twelve men were required to wait outside 
homes belonging to white residents until after the Captain inspected 
the home to ensure any woman present was appropriately dressed. When 
responding to fires at residences belonging to African Americans, the 
twelve were allowed to enter and investigate alongside their white 
colleagues. Crawford also recounted the challenges he and others faced 
when working with firefighters from other firehouses around the city, 
obtaining information on fighting fires and in being considered for 
promotions.
   Fire Station No. 8 became well-known for its crews' perseverance, 
work ethic and bravery in the line of duty. Over time, other fire 
companies became open to working with the men, which led to the full 
integration of the Memphis Fire Department. This was, however, not 
without resistance from some within the department who were opposed to 
such change, even into the 1980s when some of the twelve men had been 
promoted to high ranks. By the time of their retirements, they had 
achieved the ranks of: Robert Crawford--Deputy Director of the Memphis 
Fire Department; Carl Stotts--Deputy Chief; Floyd Newsum--Division 
Chief; Norvell Wallace--Assistant Fire Marshal; George Dumas--Battalion 
Commander; John Copper--Captain; William Carter--Fire Inspector; Leon 
Parsons--Lieutenant; Richard Burns--Private; and Lawrence Yates--
Private. Sixty years later, the Memphis Fire Department remains 
integrated and three African Americans have held the highest position 
of Director, including Alvin Benson who now serves as the Chief of the 
Shelby County Fire Department.
   Mr. Speaker, these twelve men are a part of Memphis history. They 
are honored with an exhibit at the Fire Museum of Memphis and they have 
a place in the hearts of the citizens of Memphis. Now, they will be 
honored and remembered in the United States Congressional Record. I ask 
all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 60th year of 
desegregation of the Memphis Fire Department.

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