LOUISVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS - 8-4-2023.jpg
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Fire Department is celebrating the 100th anniversary of hiring its first African American firefighters this week.

The city of Louisville announced in 1923 it would hire 10 Black fire fighters. The firefighters included Clarence Hampton, Marion Tinsley, Samuel Marshall, Robert W. Green, William Fort, Russell Wigginton, James Forbush, Tom Sharp, Leon Boone, J. W. Fowler, Philip Towns, William (Jack) Porter and Charles Grundy.

The candidates successfully completed their physical and mental testing on Sept. 29, 1923, and reported to drill school shortly after. According to a news release, the recruits graduated on Dec. 14, 1923, as Louisville Fire Department's 16th drill school class.

They were assigned to Engine 8 at 725 S. 13th St. in the California neighborhood. 

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