Indianapolis Dedicates Memorial for First Black Firefighter Killed in Line of Duty

From the IFD: The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association, a fraternal organization of the Indianapolis Fire Department, is pleased to announce the memorial dedication for Lt. Tom Smith. On Friday, September 25, 2009 at 10:00am; as part of the 150th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Fire Department, IFD, IAFF Local 416, Department of Public Safety, active and retired firefighters will gather at Crown Hill Cemetery to honor Lt. Tom Smith.

Smith, the first African-American line of duty death in IFD history, was killed when Hose Wagon 16 was struck by a street car, while answering a call to Box 317 at Northwestern Avenue and 21st Street. Smith was hurled into the air and thrown in front of the street car, which passed over him. He was dragged for several feet and his body became lodged at the front trucks; according to the Indianapolis News (11/08/1911).

Born May 10, 1843 in Crab Orchard, Kentucky; Smith was a member of the IFD’s first colored fire company. In May 1876 James Mitchell was elected mayor of Indianapolis, he appointed W.O. “Deck” Sherwood fire chief. Chief Sherwood recognized the need for a colored fire company. Two weeks later, on May 19, 1876 a colored company was formed and firehouse established on St. Mary’s Street. The fire company included Tom Smith, Thomas Howard, Robert Braxton, and James Graves. Smith was assigned badge # 158 and quickly became the city’s horse expert. Tom was known as one of the most skillful drivers that ever sat on a piece of Indianapolis fire apparatus. The story is told that the board of safety considered retiring Smith because of his age. A member of the board was at the firehouse when an alarm came in, Tom sprang to his seat and tripped the harness with a single action and as soon as the harness snapped the horses sped out the door. Tom was as agile and muscular as a man half his age, the topic of retirement would no longer be considered.

The firefighter’s processional will begin @ 10:00am at the 34th St. entrance of the Crown Hill Cemetery and proceed to Section 97 (Heroes of Public Safety Section). For more information on this event or the organization, visit www.indyblackfirefighters.com or call 317-253-0323