Six pioneering Black firefighters, known as the Legacy Six, were honored with a plaque at the St. Pete Fire Rescue headquarters. The men accumulated over 180 years of combined service to the local community.
Legacy of Service
Lieutenant Riley Preston Floyd, Firefighter Stanton Singletary, and Firefighter Eddie Utley attended the ceremony. Captain Alfonso Brown Senior and Lieutenant Willie Barnes could not attend, and the son of the late firefighter Eugene Curry accepted a helmet and plaque on his father’s behalf.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Keith Watts, the department’s first Black chief, called the group true pioneers who paved the way for his own career. “Because of their courage, because of their commitment, because of their bravery, I stand on their shoulders today,” Watts said.
The Legacy Six faced barriers beyond the dangers of the job, including racism and discrimination. Despite these challenges, they showed up every day with professionalism, determination, and a commitment to serving the community.
Impact on the Community
The Legacy Six’s service has had a lasting impact on the community. Recent Boca Ciega High School graduate Antonio Brown accepted the newly created Legacy Six Scholarship during the ceremony. Brown plans to use the funding to complete his professional training as a nurse and firefighter paramedic.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
