Vulcan Blazers facts for kids

The Vulcan Blazers is a group based in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a special organization for African-American firefighters and paramedics. They represent over 300 full-time fire and rescue workers. Since 1970, they have worked to support African-American firefighters. They also help the wider community.

How the Vulcan Blazers Started

The Vulcan Blazers began in 1970. They are connected to the IABPFF, which is a national group for black firefighters. In 1973, the Vulcan Blazers became the first minority group to win a lawsuit about unfair hiring. This helped more minority people get jobs in the Baltimore fire service. It also made it easier for other groups to fight for fairness.

The main goal of the Vulcan Blazers is to help the community. They work on social issues, with schools, and with different organizations. They also guide young people who want to become firefighters.

History of Black Firefighters in Baltimore

African-Americans have been part of the Baltimore City Fire Department for a long time. In 1949, a man named Smokestack Hardy and other helpers asked the Mayor for black firefighters to become permanent, paid workers. During World War II, many firefighters joined the army. So, fire helpers were used to fight fires in Baltimore.

In 1953, the fire academy accepted its first class that included African-Americans. Some of these early black firefighters were Charles Miller, Charles L. Scott, and Roy Parker. Charles L. Scott scored number one on the test to be hired!

At first, black firefighters faced many challenges. They had separate beds, bathrooms, and were not allowed to use the same kitchen items as white firefighters. Some firehouses even had "Reserved" signs for black firefighters. These problems happened in many places, not just Baltimore.

In 1954, Firefighter Jack Johnson was the first black firefighter to get a Meritorious Service Award. Later, in 1959, Herman Williams was promoted to Engine Engineer. He later became the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1992. In 1960, James Thomas became the first black Lieutenant.

For a while, black firefighters were not allowed to join the local fire union. Because they needed someone to represent them, they formed their own group. It was called the Social Association of Fire Fighters (SAFF). The SAFF worked with groups like the NAACP and the Urban League. Eventually, in 1961, black firefighters were allowed to join the union.

In 2003, some of the first black recruits remembered their old firehouse. It was Engine Company 36 on Edmondson Avenue. This firehouse was where 10 men first broke the color barrier in Baltimore's fire service. All of them had been part of the SAFF, which later became the Vulcan Blazers. The city even renamed Engine Company 36 the Charles R. Thomas Sr. Engine Company, after one of these brave firefighters.

In 2015, the Baltimore City Council honored these black firefighters. They thanked them for their service and mentioned their membership in the Vulcan Blazers.

Working with the IABPFF

In 1969, black firefighters from all over the country met in New York City. They started the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF). The next year, leaders from Baltimore's SAFF helped create this national organization. When they returned to Baltimore, they officially became the Vulcan Blazers. Their first goal was to find lawyers to help them fight unfair treatment and promotion rules in the fire department.

In 1971, four members of the Vulcan Blazers filed a lawsuit. They said that the fire department's hiring and promotion rules were unfair to black firefighters. A judge found that there was a pattern of unfair treatment. The judge ordered the department to promote African-American firefighters who had been treated unfairly. After the lawsuit ended in 1973, the Baltimore Fire Department appointed an African American Fire Chief. They also promoted several black officers to high ranks.

Fighting for Fairness and Safety

In 2007, the Vulcan Blazers spoke out about problems at the Fire Academy. A trainee firefighter had died during a training exercise. The Blazers asked for changes in leadership. They felt that new firefighters from diverse backgrounds were facing tougher training than previous groups. After their calls for change, some training officers were disciplined, and the head of the academy was replaced.

In 2011, Lloyd Carter, a former diversity officer and past president of the Vulcan Blazers, sued the city. He claimed he was treated unfairly because of his race. The Blazers supported him. This lawsuit, and a similar one by minority police officers, showed that there were still issues with diversity in city jobs.

On November 14, 2014, Lieutenant James Bethea died while fighting a fire. He was a lifelong member of the Vulcan Blazers and very active in his community. His death led the fire department to consider new safety rules, like having safety officers work in pairs. Lt. Bethea was part of the 1973 class of firefighters. This class was hired because of the lawsuit brought by the Vulcan Blazers to fight unfair hiring.

Promoting Diversity in the Fire Department

Burlando Building, National Fire Academy

In 2013, Captain Charline B. Stokes became the first African American woman to reach the rank of Battalion Chief in the Baltimore City Fire Department's history. The current head of the department, Fire Chief Niles R. Ford, is also African-American.

More progress happened in 2015 when Twana Allen became the first black woman promoted to Fire Lieutenant in the Baltimore County Fire Department.

The fire department is also working on new physical tests for firefighters. These tests are designed to find people who are strong enough for the job. But they also want to make sure the tests don't create unfair barriers. The goal is to have a fire department that looks like the diverse community it serves. This means actively looking for qualified men and women from all backgrounds to join the fire service.