Phoenix Society (firefighters) facts for kids
The Phoenix Society is a special group for Black firefighters in the Hartford Fire Department in Connecticut. It's like a club or a family that supports its members. This organization started in 1965.
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History of the Phoenix Society
In 1965, five Black firefighters from Hartford were very impressed by the Vulcan Society in New York City. The Vulcan Society had helped Black firefighters a lot. These five Hartford firefighters thought it would be a great idea to start a similar group in their city.
They first met informally in October 1965. Later that year, they wrote to Lieutenant Vincent W. Julius, who was the President of the Vulcan Society. He wrote back, saying the Vulcan Society would be happy to give them "any advice, support and guidance."
How the Society Started
In March 1966, the Hartford group went to a meeting of the Vulcan Society. They met with Commissioner Lowery, who was a former president of the New York group. The Hartford firefighters learned many helpful ideas and suggestions.
Soon after returning home, they held their own meeting. This meeting officially started the Phoenix Society.
Goals of the New Group
At their first official meeting, the members set important goals for the new organization:
- 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 go to college.
- Build stronger friendships and connections among all firefighters.
Founding Members
The first leaders who helped create the Phoenix Society were:
- John B. Stewart Jr. as President
- George B. Hayes as Treasurer
- Carl G. Booker Sr. as 1st Vice President
- Frank Carter Sr. as 2nd Vice President
- Cecil W. Alston as Chaplin
- William Butler as Chairman of the Trustees
- Nelson K. Carter Sr. as Secretary
The Phoenix Name
Carl G. Booker Sr. came up with the name and symbol for the Society. He chose the phoenix, which is a famous bird from ancient myths. The phoenix was said to live for 500 years. Then, it would burn itself in a fire and rise again as a young bird. This idea of rising again from challenges was perfect for the new society.
In 1969, the Phoenix Society helped organize the first Conference of Black Professional Firefighters in New York City. This meeting was held to talk about common issues faced by Black firefighters. It also aimed to help firefighters across the country work together. They wanted to solve problems like unfair treatment and limited chances for promotion. The goal was to make the Fire Service more professional 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, and we will help to recruit and advance diversity training of the fire service whereas a person in search of a profession can feel free to take the tests and qualifying exams, and on passing walk into any firehouse, anywhere, and be accepted on their own merits — it will be only then that we can say that our American Dream has borne fruit.
-Unity Insures Longevity-
The Phoenix Society believes that Black firefighters still face special challenges. They work to help more people from different backgrounds join the fire service. They also support training that teaches people to respect differences. The Society wants a future where anyone can become a firefighter and be accepted for their skills. They believe this will help achieve the "American Dream" for everyone. Their motto is "Unity Insures Longevity," meaning staying together makes them strong for a long time.
The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters
In 1970, the Phoenix Society hosted the very first National Convention of Black Professional Firefighters. This was a huge step for Black firefighters. The organization that came from this meeting is now called the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF).
Aaron O. West gave the IABPFF its name. At that first conference, they planned out how the international organization would work. Today, the IABPFF has grown a lot. It has over 181 local groups and more than 8,100 members who are heroes.
The IABPFF is not a group that tries to separate people. Instead, it helps make sure that all firefighters are treated fairly. Many cities and fire departments have not always had good plans to include people from different backgrounds. This includes how they test, hire, and promote firefighters. So, the IABPFF helps minority firefighters push for important changes. By doing this, they also hope to reduce fire deaths and property loss in communities. They also want to increase the number of minority and female firefighters.
The Phoenix Society continues to work hard to build a stronger connection between the Fire Service and the communities it serves. The IABPFF's main goal is to unite Black firefighters and improve their professional skills. They also want to keep retired members involved and improve the social standing of firefighters.
