PRINTER'S NO. 4152
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1116
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY COOK-ARTIS, NOVEMBER 15, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
NOVEMBER 15, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and legacy of Harold B. Hairston, the first
African-American Fire Commissioner of Philadelphia, and
expressing condolences on his passing.
WHEREAS, Commissioner Hairston was appointed head of the
Philadelphia Fire Department in 1992 by former Mayor Ed Rendell
and served for 12 years until he retired in 2004; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Hairston's career with the Philadelphia
Fire Department spanned 40 years; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Commissioner Hairston joined the
Philadelphia Fire Department after completing a three-year tour
of duty in the Army that included an assignment at West Point as
a weapons instructor; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Hairston was promoted to lieutenant in
1971, captain in 1978, battalion chief in 1981 and deputy chief
in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Hairston oversaw the nation's fifth
largest fire department with 2,500 employees and, under his
leadership, fire deaths declined and the average response time
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improved; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Hairston received two unit citations
for lifesaving rescues during his time on the force; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Commissioner Hairston was named Fire Chief
of the Year by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs and Fire Official of
the Year by the National Fire and Burglar Alarm Association; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Commissioner Hairston
joined CBS3 as an on-air consultant specializing in issues
involving first responders, terrorism and fire safety; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Hairston served on the boards of the
American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Delaware
Valley Burn Foundation, the Police Athletic League, the Variety
Club of the Delaware Valley and the Dad Vail Regatta; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the life
and legacy of Harold B. Hairston, the first African-American
Fire Commissioner of Philadelphia, and express condolences on
his passing; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be sent to his
family.
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