Phoenix Society (firefighters) facts for kids
The Phoenix Society is a special group for Black firefighters in the Hartford (Connecticut) Fire Department. It's like a brotherhood or a club for people who share the same job and goals. This organization started in 1965.
How the Phoenix Society Started
In 1965, five African-American firefighters were very impressed by the success of another group called the Vulcan Society, Inc. in New York City. They had an idea to start a similar group in Hartford.
They first met informally in October 1965. Later that year, they wrote to the President of the Vulcan Society, Lieutenant Vincent W. Julius. He replied, saying the Vulcan Society would "offer any advice, support and guidance" they needed.
The next year, in March 1966, these five firefighters went to a meeting of the Vulcan Society. They met with FDNY Commissioner Lowery, who was a past president and a founder of the New York group. They got many ideas and suggestions. Soon after returning home, they held their own meeting. This meeting officially created the Phoenix Society.
At this first meeting, they set important goals for their new organization. They decided the group should:
- Help other firefighters get promotions in the department.
- Raise money for people who needed help and for charities.
- Create a scholarship fund to help children of firefighters pay for school.
- Build stronger friendships and connections among all firefighters.
The first leaders who helped create the Phoenix Society were:
- John B. Stewart Jr. — President
- George B. Hayes — Treasurer
- Carl G. Booker Sr. — 1st Vice President
- Frank Carter Sr. — 2nd Vice President
- Cecil W. Alston — Chaplin
- William Butler — Chairman, Trustees
- Nelson K. Carter Sr. — Secretary
* Denotes originating member
Carl G. Booker Sr. came up with the name and symbol for the Society. He chose the phoenix, a mythical Egyptian bird. This bird was said to live for 500 years, then burn itself in fire, and rise again as a young bird. This image showed strength and new beginnings.
The Phoenix Society also helped organize the first Conference of Black Professional Firefighters. This big meeting happened in New York City in 1969. The conference aimed to discuss problems that Black firefighters faced. These problems included unfair treatment and not enough chances to move up in their careers. The goal was to work together to make the Fire Service better for everyone.
What the Phoenix Society Believes In
The Phoenix Society felt then, as we do now, that the unique experience of the Black Firefighter has not changed over the years. We will help to recruit and advance diversity training of the fire service. This means a person looking for a job can feel free to take tests and exams. And after passing, they can walk into any firehouse, anywhere, and be accepted for their skills. Only then can we say that our American Dream has come true.
-Unity Insures Longevity-
This statement means the Phoenix Society believes that Black firefighters still face special challenges. They want to help bring more different people into the fire service. They also want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and judged only on their abilities. The phrase "Unity Insures Longevity" means that staying together and working as one group helps the organization last a long time and stay strong.
Joining Forces: IABPFF
In 1970, the Phoenix Society hosted the first National Convention of Black Professional Firefighters. This was a huge step! The organization that grew from this meeting is now called the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF). It has grown to over 181 local groups and more than 8,100 members across the country. The Phoenix Society saw this as a very important achievement for Black firefighters. It showed their efforts to improve standards in fire departments everywhere.
Aaron O. West gave the IABPFF its name. At that first conference, they planned out the rules and structure for this international group. The IABPFF is not a group that tries to separate people. Instead, its local groups are independent. This is because many local governments and fire departments have not done enough to include people from all backgrounds. They haven't always made testing, hiring, and promotions fair for everyone.
So, it's important for minority firefighters to push for these necessary changes. By working on these problems, they hope to reduce the number of fire deaths and property loss in their communities. They also aim to increase the number of minority and female firefighters in the fire service.
The Phoenix Society continues to work hard to build a stronger connection between the Fire Service and the communities it protects. As the IABPFF says in its introduction: "We, Black firefighters, know our problems and those of our community are becoming more complex. We feel called to form an organization to study and solve these problems. We want to lead the way for progress. We form this organization to build unity and brotherhood. We also want to keep retired members involved. Our goal is to improve our social standing and become more professional."
