Black firefighters who died in 9/11 are finally honored
New York Firefighters joined forces with the Black Fire Brigade to honor Black firefighters and EMTs in Chicago who were killed on 9/11 when two planes crashed into New York’s World Trade Center. Most of the country’s newspapers ignored the fact that some of the 9/11 first responders were Black.
Among the 343 first responders who perished that day, 12 were members of the Vulcan Society, also known as the Black Fire Brigade. During the ceremony of honor and remembrance, a bell was rung as each fallen first responder’s name was said aloud.
The fallen Black firefighters of the Vulcan Society were Gerard Baptiste, Vernon Cherry, Tarel Coleman, Andre Fletcher, Keith Glascoe, Ronnie Henderson, William Henry, Karl Joseph, Keithroy Maynard, Vernon Richard, Shawn Powell, and Leon Smith Jr. They are all pictured above.
Capt. Paul Washington, former Vulcan Society president, said that most of the firefighters were inside or just outside the Twin Towers when they came crashing down.
Founded in 1940 by Black firefighters to combat racial discrimination within New York City’s fire department, the Vulcan Society has played a vital role in advocating for equality.
On December 6, 1898, William H. Nicholson was assigned to Brooklyn’s Engine Company 6 veterinary department to feed the horses and shovel manure.
“So on today, September 11, 2024, the Black Fire Brigade of Chicago takes another step to acknowledge those 12 who were not acknowledged appropriately,” said NYC Fire Marshal John Coombs.