Vulcan Blazers History

The Vulcan Blazers were formed in the1970’s by 9 black firefighters who weren’t allowed to become part of the the Baltimore City Firefighter's union (now known as Local 734). By 1943, the number of minorities in the Baltimore City Fire Department began to increase, proving that group representation was a necessity for African-American firefighters.

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The first "black" firefighters didn't become paid firefighters until 1949; this class

would become the first civil service class of the Baltimore City Fire Department.

After being hired, black firefighters still had to deal with segregation in the fire

houses despite performing the same tasks and functions as their white

co-workers. Amenities like separate toilets, beds, and washrooms still plagued the lives of the men who were called to save city residents. Looking back into their conditions in the early 1950's; black firefighters couldn't use kitchen utensils when eating at the firehouse despite working the same fires, responding to the same calls, and working through the night.

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If we fast-forward to the present; firefighters of color still face some of the

same battles. Although they are not as extreme as the 1950's and 1960's

there is still an unspoken and minimally addressed divide among those who

choose the career of life-saver for Baltimore City residents. The Vulcan

Blazers are working hard to ensure equally for not only African-American firefighters but for all minorities and women in the Baltimore City Fire Department.

We work with and for the communities we protect. We assist local schools with helping the youth of Baltimore City achieve goals towards becoming a successful member of the Baltimore City Fire Department. We work towards ensuring all of our members are important and we always put every member first.