Henderson, Ed 1998-06-02

Ed Henderson talks about his career as a firefighter in Lubbock, Texas.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Ed Henderson

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 2, 1998

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Marshall

Length: 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1: Henderson Ed, b. in Springtown Mississippi, Relocated to South Florida at age 2, Del Ray Beach Florida, Joined the military at age 18, b. in 1953, Has 3 children one boy and two girls, Wallace Kenneth, Estacado High School principal, Henderson Ed (again), Community service, Programs created for Estacado High School, Encouraged students to graduate from high school, Matador Men’s Program, Description, 100 Black Men of West Texas, Description, Activities, Dr. Wesson, Air Force, 1972 – 1976, Stationed in Germany 2 years, Stationed at Reese Air Force Base, Fire department, Job description, Twentieth and Birch Church of Christ, Met wife Doris Letheridge, JCPenney’s, Texas Instruments, Assembly line, Security officer, Lubbock Fire Department 1978, Enjoyed the work, Taking the fire department test, The first African American to be hired on the Lubbock Fire Department, Recruits applicants, Media coverage, Racism, Media Coverage (again), Lubbock Texas (again), Citizens, Lubbock Fire Department (again) , African-Americans, Requirements, Lubbock Fire Department (continued), Requirements (again), Test, Requirements (again), High school or GED , Age base, Lubbock Police Department, Minority applicants, Lubbock Fire Department (again), Numbers of firefighters diminished over the years, Technology, Preventative measures, Fire Marshall, Public education, Inspections, Enforcement, Texas Tech University, Henderson Ed (again), Assistant Fire Marshall, Job descriptions, Staff, Inspections, Investigations, Memorable experiences, Death of 3 firefighters in a building fire 1978, Make you reflect on your job choice, Seeing an autopsy, Being the first African American on the fire department, Finishing a college education, Afterthoughts, Being a guest speaker.

Range Dates: 1953-1998

Bulk Dates: 1972-1998

Access Information

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