Biotech and MCV District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Engine Company No. 9 Fire Station

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2009

1. Engine Company No. 9 Fire Station Marker

Inscription.
On 1 July 1950, the first professional Afro-American firefighters in Virginia were hired and in September were stationed on the northeast corner of this intersection. These courageous pioneers created a loyalty and dedication to each other and their profession notwithstanding discriminatory practices. Harvey S. Hicks, among those first hired, became the city's first black fire captain in September 1961. On 14 June 1963, Hicks and firefighter Douglas P. Evans sacrificed their lives in a rescue attempt. The city integrated the fire department on 6 July 1963 and demolished the fire station in 1968.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-54.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 14, 1963.

Location. 37° 32.876′ N, 77° 25.977′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Biotech and MCV District. Marker is on North 5th Street, 0.1 miles north of East Jackson Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Navy Hill (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint Joseph Catholic Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Alfred D. "A.D." Price (ca. 1860-1921) (approx. ¼ mile away); Maggie Lena Walker (approx. ¼ mile away); Miller’s and Eggleston Hotels (approx. ¼ mile away); Quality Row (approx. ¼ mile away); A Legacy on Leigh Street (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . History of Blacks in Richmond Fire and Emergency Services. History of Black Firefighters website entry (Submitted on September 9, 2009.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2009

2. Engine Company No. 9 Fire Station Marker

First Professional Afro-American Fire-Fighters in Richmond. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2009

3. First Professional Afro-American Fire-Fighters in Richmond.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,676 times since then and 171 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.