By FireRescue1 Staff
PHILADELPHIA — Funeral services for former Fire Commissioner Harold B. Hairston Thursday morning.
Hairston, 79, died last week.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other city officials attended the funeral to remember the commissioner, who served the city for 12 years, reported NBC.
“The late commissioner was a fantastic man, he was a no-nonsense kind of man,” Philadelphia fire Lt. Bernard Gilliam said. “He was very even-keeled.”
Hairston was appointed commissioner in 1992, and was the city’s first African-American commissioner. He retired in 2004.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Commissioner Hairston’s passing,” Mayor Kenney said. “He was a dedicated firefighter and an outstanding commissioner. He left a lasting impact on the department and our city. He will be missed.”
End of Commissioner Hairston’s service. @PhillyFireDept pic.twitter.com/8vUjC15XuM
— Tim Jimenez (@TimJRadio) November 10, 2016
Funeral for Philly’s 1st African-American fire commissioner, Harold B. Hairston. pic.twitter.com/ieXs4aJfHm
— Stephanie Farr (@FarFarrAway) November 10, 2016