CHICAGO, IL (May 21, 2025) – The Black FireBrigade (BFB) proudly serves as a leader in promoting African American success in Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), focusing on nurturing the aspirations of the city’s youth. Founded on principles of mentorship, education, and community engagement, the BFB is cultivating a new generation of first responders who are ready to excel in their careers and positively impact their communities, addressing inequities within the EMT field.
The organization is actively creating opportunities with the Black Fire Brigade Career Fair, powered by Boeing, taking place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Black Fire Brigade Training Center, located at 5349 S Wabash, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will feature job openings in EMS, Fire Safety, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to advance your career in Public Safety.
Additionally, the Black Fire Brigade will celebrate its seventh anniversary of developing first responders, one EMT at a time, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Black Fire Brigade Training Center (Firehouse) at 5349 S. Wabash.
“In the shadow of COVID-19, being an essential worker has become a source of stability in turbulent times. The creation of the Black Fire Brigade is more than just a response; it’s a heartfelt story of hope. It’s about opening new doors for EMS and fire safety for our youth and fostering equality in our Black community. This initiative isn’t just about jobs; it’s about building a stronger, united future,” Vice President Terri Winston.
Under the leadership of Lieutenant Quention Curtis, a distinguished firefighter with over 30 years of service, the BFB was founded on a powerful belief: “You can’t be what you can’t see. By teaching a young person to save a life, they won’t take a life.” Lieutenant Curtis envisioned an organization that would highlight the achievements of Blackfirefighters and EMS personnel, inspiring young minds to pursue paths of excellence and service.
The BFB’s inaugural ceremony on June 23, 2018, marked a historic moment for African American firerescue and EMS professionals nationwide. Since its inception, the BFB has been dedicated to fostering academic achievement and professional development among aspiring first responders. In August 2018, Lieutenant Curtis and Terri Winston spearheaded a fundraising initiative that allowed 40 young adults to enroll in Emergency Medical Technician School. Graduating in January 2019, they emerged fully equipped to embark on rewarding careers in Fire and Emergency Management Services, creating new narratives of success within the Black community.
Today, the BFB’s student program flourishes, offering sponsored tuition for fire and EMS training, comprehensive study materials, and uniforms. Since its establishment in 2018, the BFB has placed over 1,100 students in positions within firedepartments, EMS agencies, and as ER technicians at local hospitals, reflecting its commitment to promoting excellence and diversity within the first responder community. The impact of BFB initiatives extends far beyond the classroom. By nurturing the next generation of first responders, the BFB is laying the foundation for a more diverse and inclusive fire and EMS workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
