[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FIREFIGHTERS 
                           HISTORICAL SOCIETY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th 
Anniversary of the African American Firefighters Historical Society. 
The African American Firefighters Historical Society was founded in 
Baltimore, Maryland on January 23, 2009 by two, now-retired, members of 
the Baltimore City Fire Department: Firefighter George Collins and 
Lieutenant Michael Jenson. It was started as part of an event 
celebrating the 55-year reunion of the first African Americans 
appointed to the Baltimore City Fire Department. While researching the 
history of African-American firefighters in Baltimore, it did not take 
long before they discovered that nearly every fire department around 
the country had its own story of African Americans contributing to 
their ranks.
  The mission of the African American Firefighters Historical Society 
is to collect, preserve and disseminate historical data and information 
relating to the contributions made by firefighters of color, and others 
who have contributed to such history. This material is used to educate 
and mentor firefighters and the communities that they serve.
  The Historical Society is also a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, 
and it hosts an annual Salute Dinner. This dinner honors African-
American firefighters, entities, individuals, and dates that are 
significant to the fire service history of African Americans. It is the 
only event of its kind in the world, and they are proud that the dinner 
has become their signature event.
  All the honorees over the last 10 years have been extremely deserving 
of their recognition. Most have never had their contributions 
acknowledged. These individuals are humble men and women, who would 
tell you that they were just doing what needed to be done. Whether it 
be to acknowledge a heroic act or some other significant act, such as 
being the first to reach a rank or position, accomplished by 
firefighters, the African American Firefighters Historical Society is 
always interested in finding these individuals. The organization also 
welcomes information about organizations who have reached historic 
milestones or anniversaries relevant to African-American firefighters.
  To show just how relevant The African American Firefighters 
Historical Society has become, I would like to take a moment to share 
the stories of some of its honorees.
  Stories of people like Edward Collic, who faced significant hurdles 
to becoming Baltimore City Fire Department's First African American 
Lieutenant Pilot. During promotion testing, Collic was given ten 
additional navigation questions by his Coast Guard examiner, 
effectively turning what is normally a 4-hour test into an 8-hour exam. 
Still, he passed and was reluctantly given his 100 Ton Masters 
Licenses. Collic worked as an Acting Lieutenant for thirteen years, 
being passed over for promotions several times despite consistently 
scoring first or second on the promotion exam. In some cases, he was 
deliberately removed from the top of the list. Collic was finally 
promoted, possibly becoming Maryland's first African-American Fireboat 
Lieutenant. With a reputation for being the best Lieutenant Pilot, one 
night he was sought out by his Battalion Chief to respond to a train 
that had derailed with hazardous material on board. He took his 
fireboat up the Susquehanna River to Port Deposit, Maryland, on what 
would become the longest run in BCFD history.
  The Society has also honored people like Mrs. Carrye Brown, on the 
20th Anniversary of her appointment to the highest fire service 
position in the country. In January 1995, Brown was nominated by 
President Bill Clinton to be our Nation's first woman and first African 
American to head the U.S. Fire Administration. In that role, she was 
responsible for legislation, regulations and standards for all fire 
departments in the country. To this day, Mrs. Brown holds the record 
for the longest serving person in that position.
  They also paid tribute to civil rights lawyers Kenneth L. Johnson and 
Gerald A. Smith. On December 6, 1971 they filed suit against the City 
of Baltimore to address discrimination in hiring and promotions within 
the city's fire department. This landmark decision changed the hiring 
and promotions processes in both the city's fire and police 
departments, benefiting countless individuals. Their 1973 victory 
cemented the legacy of their clients and rendered their firm a dominant 
force in civil rights litigation on the east coast.
  The Society has also honored the Gorham Family. A tragic fire in 
August 1946 destroyed the home of Leroy and Lillian Gorham. Tragically, 
the couple lost three children: Jean, who was 5, Ruth who was 2, and 
Leroy Jr., who was only 11 months year old. In response, the community 
came together to establish Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Company in Prince 
George's County, Maryland. Without any knowledge or experience, men 
from all over the area started Maryland's only African-American 
Volunteer Fire Department. By the year's end, they purchased a fire 
engine and equipment and began providing fire protection for the 
Deanwood Park/Chapel Oaks Community. They have serviced Prince George's 
County ever since.
  The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society has presented 
approximately 200 flags flown over the U.S. Capitol for honorees on 
significant dates of their accomplishments; obtained almost 1,0000 
Citations, Proclamations, Resolutions, Certificates of Recognition and 
Letters of Acknowledgment for honorees; successfully advocated for 
legislation to have a fire house named for an honoree; been 
instrumental in building partnerships, financing the design, and 
advocating for local government to establish The Racheal M. Wilson 
Memorial Park and Garden at the location of Racheal M. Wilson's death, 
the first woman killed in the history of the Baltimore City Fire 
Department, and sponsored Baltimore High School students' trips to 
Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill tours and to visit my Braintrust 
panels at The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative 
Conference.
  As the African American Firefighters Historical Society reflects on 
their many accomplishments, they ask, ``what's next?'' George Collins, 
Founder and President states:

       ``We are looking forward to creating a brick and mortar 
     entity in the form of a fire fighter museum. This will 
     showcase the unknown and often buried contributions of so 
     many African Americans in the fire service. Yet we will 
     always fulfill the purpose of our organization. Give people 
     their flowers while they can smell them, show them 
     acknowledgments of their accomplishments while they can see 
     it, and tell them how much you appreciate them while they can 
     hear it.''

  For these reasons, we stop to highlight the endeavors of The African 
American Firefighters Historical Society over the past 10 years.

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