Phoenix Society (firefighters)

In 1965, five African-American firefighters, impressed with the gains made due to the work of the Vulcan Society, Inc. of New York City, conceived the idea of forming a branch of the Vulcan Society in Hartford. They met informally for the first time in October 1965. Later that year, they wrote to the President of the Vulcan Society, Lieutenant Vincent W. Julius. Julius replied, "the Vulcan Society would offer any advice, support and guidance that might be desired by the Hartford Firefighters."

The following year in March 1966, this group attended a meeting of the Vulcan Society, meeting with FDNY Commissioner Lowery, a past president and founding member of the New York organization. Ideas and suggestions were made available to the five visitors from Hartford, enabling them in a short time after returning home, to hold their own organizational meeting, thereby establishing the basis for the Phoenix Society.^[1]

At this meeting, goals and purposes were established to the mission of the new organization. It was concluded that this organization should help other firefighters toward promotional goals in the department, engender fundraising for persons needing aid and charitable organizations, create a scholarship fund for the benefit of children of firefighters and fostering a closer relationship and fellowship among all firefighters.

On creating the entity, the incorporating officers were:

• John B. Stewart Jr.* as President
• George B. Hayes — Treasurer
• Carl G. Booker Sr.* — 1st Vice President
• Frank Carter Sr.* — 2nd Vice President
• Cecil W. Alston* — Chaplin
• William Butler — Chairman, Trustees
• Nelson K. Carter Sr.* — Secretary

* Denotes originating member

The Phoenix Society was named a sponsoring organization of the first Conference of Black Professional Firefighters held in New York City in 1969.^[2] The Conference was called to address issues common to black firefighters and to work with brother Firefighters throughout the country in order to address issues like harassment, limited promotional opportunities and how to help make the Fire Service more professional.

Carl G. Booker Sr. conceived the name and emblem of the Society. It captured the image of the phoenix, an Egyptian bird which lived 500 years, after which it consumed itself in fire only to rise again as a young bird.

The Phoenix Society felt then, as we do now, that the unique experience of the Black Firefighter has not changed over the years, and we will help to recruit and advance diversity training of the fire service whereas a person in search of a profession can feel free to take the tests and qualifying exams, and on passing walk into any firehouse, anywhere, and be accepted on their own merits — it will be only then that we can say that our American Dream has borne fruit.^{[citation needed]}

-Unity Insures Longevity-