3 Northeast Ohio fire chiefs create Black History, trailblaze a new path

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - “What we like to see is for people to view us as not just as Black chiefs, but as fire chiefs, like anyone else,” said Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson.

Chief Henderson, Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke and Canton Fire Chief K. Akbar Bennett are part of the nearly 8% of firefighters across the United States who are Black.

“You can’t be what you can’t see. Before I joined the fire service, I never saw a Black firefighter anywhere” said Chief Luke.

Chief Anthony Luke has more than three decades of experience.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked in a grocery store or have just been in the community and somebody I don’t know will walk up to me and show appreciation,” said Chief Luke. “Not only that I’m a firefighter, but being a Black fire chief. They are recognizing that.”

Chief Henderson recently had the most diverse and inclusive recruitment class in the history of the Akron Fire Department.

Chief Akbar is the first African American fire chief for the City of Canton.

“When I am hiring while males, females, or African Americans, I think that when they come on the job it’s not a big deal if their chief is Black,” said Chief Bennett.

As the three chiefs work to pave a new path, they also recognize the sacrifices of those before them, including, Cleveland native Garrett Morgan who invented a mask to help save soldiers during World War 1 and former Woodmere Fire Chief John Brewington.

“There are many African American who were in the shadow and doing the work also had enough love and empathy to pour into us,” said Chief Bennett.

Chiefs Luke, Henderson and Bennett have already created history and now it’s time to build up the next generation, no matter their race, or identity.

“One of the things we have to do as a community, as fire chiefs, is to give these kids confidence. Inspire them! You can do this!” said Chief Bennett.