Black Fire

About the Book

Black Fire: Portrait of a Black Firefighter, a regional autobiographical and historical account of the struggles of black firefighters in Memphis takes us through Robert’s childhood, army life, return home and the racism inflicted as he seeks employment. Finally, a fire recruit for the city’s fire department, his goal is to obtain the highest rank possible. Those who are first to integrate or endeavors to change an establish institution such as the fire department can identify with this journey. Problems the black firefighter encounters is to intense, too interesting and to historical to dismiss without leaving a note for the future.

About the Author

Robert J. Crawford, Sr. was the first black driver, District Chief, Deputy Chief, and Deputy Director of the City of Memphis Fire Department. With each position he was the highest-ranking black firefighter with the city’s fire department. He has earned various certificates and awards for his firefighting skills. He was a thirty-three year veteran of the city’ fire department. He is a Korean war veteran. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife. Delores A. Crawford, who collaborated with Robert J.Crawford, Sr., has published in Writers on the River, a local writer’s club magazine. She has also published a poem, “Leaf in the Fall,” in World of Poetry Anthology.