Other Viewing Options
Claude Harris Recognition Celebration
Submitted by tanya on Tue, 01/27/2009 - 5:14pm
The Seattle Black Firefighter’s Association held a recognition ceremony to honor Claude Harris who broke the color barrier in the Seattle Fire Department on January 5, 1959 by becoming Seattle’s first black fire fighter. Claude Harris became the first person of African descent to be promoted to Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Battalion Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief.
On January 17, 2009 the celebration honored Chief Harris’ accomplishments, which are not limited to, implementing significant improvements in the department concerning technology upgrades, expanded emphasis on training and safety and the formation of a component of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue System. He is also the second longest serving Fire Chief in the Seattle’s history.
During the course of his prestigious career, Harris met with contention when he was promoted to Battalion Chief in 1980. The legal action resulting in his case led to a significant increase in women and minority hiring in Seattle as well as other fire departments around the nation.
In 1968, Harris along with other Black Firefighters formed one of the nation’s first organizations focused on the issues and concerns of black people who have chosen the fire service as a vocation. The Seattle Black Firefighter’s Association was one of the charter organizations of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters which formed in 1970.
Related Articles:
Seattle Black Firefighters Celebrate
Please click here
Claude Harris: Fire Cheif Looks Back
By Paul Shukovsky P-I Reporter
Please click here
Gary David Gayton
a short biography of the lawyer that represented Claude Harris
Please click here
Follow Us: