African American Firefighter Museum

03/27/2026

Did you know we have a podcast? "Blazing Trails & Breaking Norms" is a podcast where African-American women firefighters/paramedics share their stories in their own words, recounting their awe-inspiring journey, challenges, and impact on the fire service. Spend the last few days of Women's History Month catching up on Los Angeles history!

Listen here: https://blazingtrailsandbreakingnorms.transistor.fm/

03/26/2026

On February 15, 1985, the City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission declared Fire Station No. 30 an historic landmark. 41 years later, Fire Station No. 30 is the home to the African American Firefighter Museum.

Help us continue the effort to preserve the legacy of Black LA firefighters by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PMVET9BAWLBP8

Photo Credits: The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive & Craig Baker

03/26/2026

Before Women's History Month ends, we want to honor the women who broke barriers in the fire service. Our first highlight is Retired LAFD Captain d'Lisa Davies. Captain Davies joined Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1984 after serving in the military as a Telecommunication Specialist. She became LAFD’s first Black woman firefighter and the second Black woman to be uniformed. She promoted to Captain in 2009 after 22 years of field and administrative assignments. Captain Davies retired in October 2015 after 31 years of public service.

Check out a brief presentation of her illustrious career here, and stay tuned for more stories as we wrap up Women's History Month!

Retired LAFD Captain d'Lisa Davies joinedLos Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1984 after serving in the military as a Telecommunication Specialist. She beca...

03/25/2026

The African American Firefighter Museum has resolved recent issues with the USPS and is now able to accept mail again. If you received a returned check during this time, please feel free to resend it or make a donation through our PayPal fundraising page. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through this temporary issue.

Donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PMVET9BAWLBP8

03/17/2026

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Commissioner Genethia Hudley-Hayes for stepping up with a generous $1,000 donation to kick off our Emergency Response Challenge!

Her leadership helps move us closer to our goal of raising $200,000 to reopen and sustain the African American Firefighter Museum.

Now the question is: Who will join her?

Continue preserving the legacy and contributions of African-American firefighters. Every donation makes a difference and helps keep this important history alive. Be part of the movement and help us reach our goal! Donate today and encourage others to step up.

Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PMVET9BAWLBP8

02/11/2026

After a devastating arson fire, followed by unexpected wind and rain damage, the African American Firefighter Museum faces major challenges before reopening. But our history isn’t lost, and our future remains bright.

With your support, we will rebuild Fire Station #30 and continue honoring the legacy of African American firefighters who broke barriers and served with pride, while creating expanded educational programs and inspiring new generations.

Stand with us as we rebuild and move forward together. Donate today!
https://bit.ly/AAFFMfundraiser

12/16/2025

Happy Holidays to you and yours... From all of us here at the African American Firefighter Museum!

08/27/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Senior Inspector Reynaldo E. Lopez Sr., who passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at the age of 99.

A proud U.S. veteran and firefighter, Reynaldo served from February 27, 1950 – May 8, 1977. He was one of the original Old Stentorians, working alongside Arnett Hartsfield and other pioneering Black firefighters who faced the challenges of desegregating the LAFD in the 1950s. His courage, strength, and legacy live on.

Reynaldo will be laid to rest with his wife at Riverside National Cemetery. A brief placement and Military Honor flag ceremony will be held on August 29th at 1:00 P.M., Section 59A, Grave 419. Rest in peace, Reynaldo. May your memory life on.

06/19/2025

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to share the news that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed more than two years earlier, and that the enslaved were finally free. Today, we celebrate that historic moment known as Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward justice. Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize our shared history and continue the work for equity and liberation.

05/27/2025

🚨UPDATE🚨
The AAFFM will be temporarily closed due to the fire damage sustained in the building. We are grateful that the building remains intact and that the fire was quickly contained to one area. While the fire damage was limited, we are prioritizing safety and preservation as we undergo necessary repair and cleaning efforts. All tours and visits are cancelled until further notice. We appreciate your patience and support, and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

02/17/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Black History Month Event! 🎉 Your energy, support, and engagement made it unforgettable. We’re so grateful to have shared this experience with you—stay tuned for more exciting events coming soon!