The Valiants (firefighters) facts for kids
The Valiants of Philadelphia is a special group of Black and Latino firefighters in Pennsylvania. Their main goal is to encourage young people in cities to think about jobs in public safety, like being a firefighter. They also teach people about staying safe and preventing fires.
This group started in 1962. It was one of the first groups to form the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. This larger organization helps deal with racial discrimination that African-American firefighters have faced in the United States.
The Valiants got their start from the Vulcan Society in the Fire Department of New York. The Vulcan Society was a group of Black firefighters formed in 1940. They worked to bring more diversity and help minority people join public service jobs.
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The Valiants: A History of Bravery and Fairness
Starting a New Group
In March 1962, Philadelphia Fire Lieutenant Samuel Singleton created the Valiants. He wanted a group for Black firefighters, just like other groups in the Philadelphia Fire Department. These other groups were often based on religion or ethnic background and did not welcome Black firefighters.
African-American firefighters had been part of the Philadelphia Fire Department since 1886. However, fire companies were separated by race until 1952. Before 1952, there were only two fire companies for Black firefighters. After 1952, more African-Americans joined the department. But this mixing often led to tension and unfair treatment.
The Valiants first came together for dinners and to bring their families closer. Al Means and Howard Rhone were the first leaders. Soon, they realized they could do more. The Valiants started helping new firefighters. They also taught fire prevention to minority communities and volunteered at charity events.
Fighting for Equality
The Valiants worked hard to make things fair. They wanted all firefighters to be treated equally. Their efforts helped to change how firefighters were hired and promoted. They showed that working together could make a big difference.
Joining Forces: The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters
Working Together for Change
In 1969, the Valiants joined with other firefighter groups. These included the Vulcan Society of New York City and the Phoenix Society of Hartford. They met in New York City. This meeting led to the creation of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPF) in 1970.
This new, larger group aimed to fight unfair treatment in American fire departments. They also wanted to help more minority people get hired as firefighters.
Valiants' Leaders in the IABPF
Several Valiants members became important leaders in the IABPF. Charles Hendricks, who was the Valiants' first treasurer, became the IABPF's treasurer. Valiant William Brogden was chosen as the first recording secretary. Valiant Ron Lewis led the Northeast region for the IABPF.
By 2017, the Valiants were the biggest group within the IABPF. The IABPF had about 8,000 members.
Making Things Fair: The Consent Decree
A Big Step for Fairness
In 1973, a quick study showed that the City of Philadelphia had unfair hiring and promotion practices. The Valiants took legal action to change these practices in the Philadelphia Fire Department. This led to a special agreement in 1975 called a "consent decree."
This agreement meant the department had to work to promote more Black firefighters to higher positions. It also had to increase the hiring of minority firefighters. The department followed this agreement for 36 years, until 2011. By 2011, Derrick Sawyer, an African-American, was leading the entire 2,100-person department as Fire Commissioner.
Continuing the Fight
The Valiants still watch how firefighters and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) staff are hired. In 2011, the group filed a lawsuit against the firefighters' union, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the City of Philadelphia. They said there was still unfair treatment and a "hostile work environment."
This lawsuit was settled. It resulted in Black firefighters getting more chances to take part in union activities. They also gained the ability to run for leadership roles in the union.
Leaders and Heroes: Valiants in High Ranks
Reaching the Top
Many members of the Valiants have moved up to high positions in the Fire Department. The first African-American Fire Commissioner of Philadelphia was Harold B. Hairston. He was a member of both the Valiants and the IABPF.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers also served as President and Northeast Region Director of the IABPF. In 1984, Deputy Commissioner Donald Patton was the first African-American to reach that high rank. He also served as President of the Valiants.
Honoring Education
Each year, the Valiants give a scholarship in Donald Patton's name. This scholarship helps a student with their education. It's a way to remember Deputy Commissioner Patton, who cared a lot about learning.
Other Valiants who achieved great things include Deputy Chief Al Nelson. Also, Battalion Chiefs Earnest Hargett, Jr. and Norman Ray. Captain Clarence Brogden, and Lieutenants Lisa Forrest, Berry Hutchins, Eric Johnson, Larry Clark, and Eric Stukes. Charles Hendricks, one of the Valiants' founding members, also excelled.
Honored by the City
In 2013, the Valiants celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. The City Council of Philadelphia passed a special resolution. This honored the Valiants for 50 years of working for fairness and justice.
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