Decorated truck celebrates Black community’s historic contributions to international fire service
BRAMPTON, ON (February 24, 2023) – The City of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team has spent Black History month honouring Black leaders and inventors who created the life-saving tools firefighters use here at home and around the world.
Throughout Black History Month, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team hosted an education campaign, dedicating an in-service fire truck to bring awareness to many of the contributions made to the international fire service by pioneers from the Black community.
The fire truck lists the following names, accomplishments and inventions:
• George Reid was the first person to use a pole in 1878 to get to the 1st floor of his fire station. This action resulted in the installation of fire poles in fire stations around the world.
• Joseph W. Winters, on May 7, 1878, received the patent for his invention of the fire escape ladder mounted on fire wagons.
• Garrett Morgan devised safety-hood smoke protection equipment in 1912. On July 25, 1916, Morgan made national news for using his gas mask to rescue men trapped during an explosion in an underground tunnel located 250 feet beneath Lake Erie.
• Molly Williams, an enslaved person, was the first known female and first known Black firefighter in the United States in 1818.
The truck also hosts the following quote:
“Almost always, the creative, dedicated minority has made the world better”.
– Martin Luther King Jr.
The City honours the many achievements and contributions of the Black community who, throughout history have done so much to make Brampton the liveable, compassionate and prosperous city it is today.
For photos and videos of the truck, click here.
Quotes:
“This fire truck serves as a learning opportunity for all of us. It makes you pause and think about the resilience of the Black community and the contributions to our day-to-day lives that we may not know or recognize. On the road, it’s created many teachable moments, spurred incredible dialogue and conversation and helped us honour those who got us to where we are today.”
- Rowena Santos, Chair, Community Services; Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton
“The City of Brampton is committed to celebrating the contributions of the Black community. This is one small way in which we are doing just that. The truck serves as a stepping stone toward learning more about the people who helped shape the international fire service and their incredibly diverse backgrounds.”
- Bill Boyes, Fire Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services
“Visibility is key for the meaningful recognition of the contributions of the Black community. The dedicated fire truck serves as a reminder of those contributions and the many others, as we commit to further learning and education about the Black trailblazers who paved the way for so many.”
- Michelle John, Fire/Life Safety Education Officer, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services; Member, City of Brampton Black Employee Engagement Network (BEEN)
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable, and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca
