A History Making Legacy
Since the early formation of the fire department, Black firefighters have contributed to Indianapolis’ safety and protection.
A legacy of service and sacrifice for over 140 years.
1859
The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) is established.
1876
The first four Black firefighters; Thomas Smith, Robert Braxton, James Graves, and Thomas Howard are appointed to the fire department in Indianapolis, IN.
1880
Historic Station #9 opens as the first all black fire station in the city of Indianapolis.
1911
Lieutenant Thomas Smith becomes the first Black firefighter to perish in the line of duty.
1922
Company #16 is rebadged as Company #1 and moves to a new station at 441 Indiana Avenue.
1951
Charles E. Smith is the last Black firefighter to join the department in its segregated era.
1960
The Indianapolis Fire Department becomes integrated. Company #9 remained all black except for occasional temporary substitutes.
1968
Jospeh D. Kimbrew is the first firefighter to be named “Firefighter of the Year” by the IFD.
1978
Byrona Slaughter, an African-American recruit, is the first woman sworn into the Indianapolis Fire Department.
1987
Joseph D. Kimbrew, Sr. is appointed IFD Chief, the first African-American to hold the city’s fire department highest rank.
1990
IFD rescinds a controversial policy which prevented Black firefighters from applying for a transfer to any shift on which the staffing was already 50 percent Black.
1992
The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association (IBFA) is established as a nonprofit organization.
2002
Dei Ester Johnson becomes the first African-American female firefighter to be promoted to the “Merit” rank of Lieutenant with the Indianapolis Fire Department. To date, Johnson is the first and only Black female ever promoted (2012) to the “Merit” rank of Captain.
2004
The IBFA moves into its current home, Old Station No. 31.
2014
Ernest Malone becomes the second Black Chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department.
2016
Station No. 1 is named after first Black IFD Chief, Joseph D. Kimbrew.
2019
Old Station No. 31 is named The Monroe Gray, Jr. IBFA Headquarters. Gray, a now retired Division Chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department, served as the first president of the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association.
2022
The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Museum is founded by the IBFA. The museum’s vision and its exhibit All we are, we owe: The History Making Legacy of Indianapolis’ Black Firefighters are developed and designed by The work of sv and 24 Design.
The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association celebrates its 30th Year Anniversary.
Furthering the Vision:
Indianapolis
Black Firefighters
Museum
Founded in 2022, by the IBFA, the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Museum honors the achievements of the city’s Black firefighters and their contributions in leadership, mentoring, protecting, and providing. Since 1876, with the hiring of the first four paid professional Black firefighters (Thomas Smith, Robert Braxton, James Graves, and Thomas Howard) this legacy continues to grow to include fire department chiefs, captains, and the first female firefighter; Byrona Slaugther.
The museum serves as a gateway to educate the community, of this rich history, as well introduce aspiring individuals to the possibilities of making a living as a firefighter.
The IBFA’s headquarters (Old Station No. 31), serves as the home of the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Museum. Built in 1952, the station carries a sentimental legacy within the Black firefighters. A history that is shared via exhibitions, archival documentation, artifacts, interactive hands-on components, and educational programming. The museum is a viable source of pride and inspiration to further impact the community, the city of Indianapolis, and beyond.
The museum’s vision and its exhibit All we are, we owe: The History Making Legacy of Indianapolis’ Black Firefighters were developed and designed by The work of sv and 24 Design.
To learn more about the museum, please contact us.
Museum Update (1/9/2023)
The Black Firefighters Community Care Wall is now installed.
Museum Update (4/28/2022)
The Black Firefighters History Timeline Wall, Honor Panel, and two Gear Boxes Displays are now installed.
