Harold B. Hairston facts for kids
Harold B. Hairston was a very important person in the Philadelphia Fire Department. He was the first African-American Fire Commissioner, which means he was the top boss of the fire department in Philadelphia. He started this big job in 1992 and worked until 2004. After he retired, he shared his knowledge about public safety on TV. He passed away in 2016 when he was 76 years old. He had a wife, Anne, and three children.
Becoming a Firefighter
Harold B. Hairston worked for the Philadelphia Fire Department for 40 years! He joined the department in 1964. Before that, he spent three years in the Army. In the Army, he taught people how to use weapons at the West Point Army Academy.
When he joined the Philadelphia Fire Department, he was one of the first African-Americans to join. This was a big step for the department. He quickly moved up the ranks:
- In 1971, he became a Fire Lieutenant.
- In 1978, he became a Captain.
- In 1981, he became a Battalion Chief.
- In 1986, he became a Deputy Chief.
His unit even received two awards for saving lives! In 2003, he was named "Fire Chief of the Year" by a group of fire chiefs. Another group also named him "Fire Official of the Year" in 2003.
Leading the Fire Department
In 1992, Mayor Ed Rendell chose Harold B. Hairston to be the Fire Commissioner. This was a very important moment because he was the first African-American to hold this top position. He led the department until he retired in 2004.
For many years, the Fire Commissioner position in Philadelphia was held by an African-American. This tradition lasted for 24 years.
Helping the Community
Harold B. Hairston was involved in many groups and organizations. He served on the boards of:
- The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
- The Delaware Valley Burn Foundation.
- The Police Athletic League.
- The Variety Club of the Delaware Valley.
- The Dad Vail Regatta.
Even after he retired, he stayed very interested in the Fireman's Hall Museum. This museum now has a special tribute in his memory. He was also a member of two important groups for firefighters:
- The Valiants, which is a group for black and Latino firefighters.
- The IABPFF.
Harold B. Hairston is buried in Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
