Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John R. Jasper, Jr.

1926 - 2001

Photographed by Adam Margolis

1. John R. Jasper, Jr. Marker

Inscription.
An Atlantic City native, Jasper made history when he became the resort's first African-American Fire Department Chief. He was among a handful of rookie firefighters who integrated the Fire Department in 1956, and later become known as one of "The Big Three," as he was one of the first African-Americans promoted to captain. Prior to that time African-American firefighters were only assigned to the fire station at Indiana and Grant avenues. Captain Jasper was assigned to the fire house at Maryland and Arctic avenues acknowledging his character and commitment to duty. Often ranked number one on civil service tests, he achieved the ranks of Battalion, Deputy, and then Fire Chief by 1984. Chief Jasper was a Master Mason and taught fire science classes. He later retied in 1987 after 31 years of public service. In 2002, Fire Station No. 1, at Maryland and Atlantic avenues, was proudly dedicated in his honor.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1956.

Location. 39° 21.623′ N, 74° 26.195′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. It is on Michigan Ave. south of Arctic Ave., on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlantic City NJ 08401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on New Jersey’s Jersey Shore.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mary Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker); Fay Lanphier (within shouting distance of this marker); Norma Smallwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Gorman (within shouting distance of this marker); Ruth Malcomson (within shouting distance of this marker); Marilyn Meseke (within shouting distance of this marker); Bette Cooper (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Coyle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.

Also see . . . Chief John R. Jasper Jr. Memorial Fire Station - The Press of Atlantic City. (Submitted on January 23, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed by Adam Margolis

2. John R. Jasper, Jr. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.