AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRE FIGHTERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC

The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society is always interested in individuals who may be first to have accomplished a goal, such as getting promoted, filling a position or to those who have performed a heroic act. We also like to have information about organizations who have reached any historic milestone or anniversary, as it pertains to African American fire fighter’s history. In addition, we like to recognize significant dates in fire service history in which African Americans played a role. As The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society approaches its 15th Anniversary, we would like to share with you a few things we have been able to accomplish in our contribution to fire service history.
•Requested and had submitted approximately a dozen statements to The United States Congressional Record
•Presented approximately 200 flags flown over the U.S. Capitol on significant dates to distinguish our honorees accomplishments.
•Obtained well over 500 Citations, Proclamations, Resolutions, Certificates of Recognition and Letters of Acknowledgment for honorees.
•Successfully passed Legislation to have a fire house named for an honoree.
•Instrumental in building partnerships, financing the design and advocating government in establishing The Racheal M. Wilson Memorial Park. In memorial of Maryland's First Woman Line of Duty casualty in the history of the fire service.

Please feel free to share with us any thoughts to help continue our mission.

All honorees over the last 15 years were very deserving of their recognition. Most have never had their contributions acknowledge. These individuals are humble men and women, who just were doing what needed to be done. With your interest in our organization I would like to share with you a few of our honorees which shows how your contribution would help continue our mission.

We have been able to reveal the stories of people like Edward Collic, Baltimore City Fire Department’s First African American Lieutenant Pilot (driver of the fireboat). After having the Coast Guard examiner turn an average 3-hour test into an 8-hour test for Mr. Collic. He was given 10 extra navigation questions before he was reluctantly given his 100 Ton Masters Licenses. Holding this license for 13 years he worked as Acting Lt. always placing 1st or 2nd on the promotional exam. He had to deal with either one or no promotions depending on his placement on the list. More than once he was removed from 1st and had other persons promoted over him. After a time, someone didn’t get the memo that he was Black and he was finally promoted to possibly be the 1st African American Fireboat Lieutenant Pilot in Maryland. As Lt. Pilot he was sought out one night by his Battalion Chief to take his fireboat on longest run in BCFD history up the Susquehanna River to Port Deposit, Maryland. for a train derailment of hazardous material.

Also at this event we have had the opportunity to honor people like Mrs. Carrye Brown, when recognizing the 20th Anniversary of her appointment to the highest fire service position in the country. In January 1995 Carrye E. Brown was nominated by President William Clinton, as Our Nation’s 1st Woman and 1st African American to head up the U.S. Fire Administration. Her responsibility was for legislation, regulations and standards for all fire departments in the country. Mrs. Brown to this day still holds the record for the longest serving person in that position.

I believe the most touching of all we have been blessed to honor, was The Gorham Family. Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Company in Prince George’s County was established after a tragic fire August 1946 in the home of Leroy and Lillian Gorham. The death of 5 year 7-day old Jean, 2 year 2 month 10-day old Ruth and their 11 month 5-day old little brother Leroy Jr.; in this fatal fire was the inspiration for a Community to do for self. Without any knowledge or experience men from all over the area started Maryland’s only all African American Volunteer Fire Department. By the end of that year they were providing fire protection for the Deanwood Park and Chapel Oaks Community.

50 years since his appointment as Fire Commissioner, September 2018 final legislation was signed naming the fire station located 5714 Eastern Ave near Greektown for The Late Konstantine Prevas. Mr. Konstantine Prevas Esquire an attorney, WWII Veteran and leader of The Greek Community had a long family history in the Baltimore business community before being sworn-in on January 23, 1968, by Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro III. Commissioner Prevas, was the deciding vote on a three vote panel to remove Jim Crow and discriminatory practices, along with unfairness in the area of discipline and promotions from Baltimore’s fire department. Part of the Dynamic Duo, his working with Reverend Marion C. Bascom Sr. Baltimore’s First African American Fire Board member. This progressive thinking put Baltimore’s fire service on the map in more ways than one and reflects the BCFD today.

It is our hope the aforementioned information gives you an idea of what we do and why we do it.
George Collins, President & Founder
African American Fire Fighters Historical Society