First Black City of Detroit Firefighter: Marcena W. Taylor

Marcena Taylor Firehouse

Bro. Marcena W. Taylor was born on January 25, 1911, in Chattanooga, TN and moved to Detroit in March 1927. He attended Miller Middle School, Northwestern High School and graduated in 1928 with honors. He attended Livingston College form 1929-1933.

In 1938, Bro. Taylor, along with another Blackman became the City of Detroit’s first Black firefighters. Their first assignment was at Engine Company 34. (pictured here) Bro. Taylor was also the first Black to be promoted to battalion chief in the Detroit Fire Department.

1 thought on “First Black City of Detroit Firefighter: Marcena W. Taylor

  1. Hmmmmmm….I wonder if he could be related to those OTHER Taylors from Tennessee…..

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