As part of Black History Month, a ceremony honored the first African American to join the fire department in Springfield, Massachusetts.
When Leonard Corbin began what would be a 32-year firefighting career in the summer of 1969 it was a time of racial strife in Springfield, and across the country. He kept a positive attitude through it all, according to his brother Eddie Corbin.
" He was a role model for other people to follow which the family is extremely proud about that," said Corbin.
A wreath-laying was held at the permanent memorial honoring Corbin outside the Mason Square Fire Station.
The memorial that consists of a granite stone with two bronze plaques was dedicated in 2009, a year after Corbin died at the age of 62.
