As part of Black History Month, the city of Springfield, Massachusetts held a ceremony to honor the city’s first Black firefighter.
When Leonard Corbin joined the Springfield Fire Department in the summer of 1969 it was a time of racial strife in Springfield and across the country.
But, Eddie Corbin said it did not deter his brother from doing something he had wanted since he was a child: become a fireman.
" There was hate and animosity around, but he fought through that because he was dedicated and committed to being a firefighter. It was something he just loved to do," said Corbin.
Lenny Corbin was a firefighter in Springfield for 32 years. He died in 2008 at the age of 62.
Not only was Corbin the first Black person to join the Springfield Fire Department, but for many years he was its only minority. The city would eventually enter into a federal court consent decree to promote affirmative action. Now a majority of the department is Black and Hispanic. There are three district chiefs who are black.
If his brother were alive today, he’d be thrilled the department has come this far, said Corbin.
" He would be ecstatic about that, yes he would," said Corbin.
A stone monument with bronze plaques honoring Corbin and recognizing his contribution to Springfield’s history was dedicated in 2009 in front of the Mason Square Fire Station.
The monument was the site of the Black History Month observance attended by city and fire department officials and members of Corbin’s family. There was a wreath laying and bell-tolling.
Mayor Domenic Sarno called Corbin “The Jackie Robinson of the Springfield Fire Department.”
One of the people who walked through the doors Corbin helped open fifty years ago is Tyrone Denson, who made history of his own this year when he became the first Black district fire chief in Springfield.
"I am glad to be here today to pay homage to Lenny Corbin," said Denson. " Without him I would not be here. Others would not be here. I thank him and I am sure he is smiling down on us."
