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Home > News > Patrick H. Raymond was appointed Cambridge Fire Chief in 1871

Chief Patrick H. Raymond - First Black Fire Chief in the nation

As we celebrate Black History Month - 2025, we remember Patrick H. Raymond, who was appointed as Chief Engineer (Fire Chief) of the Cambridge Fire Department on January 5, 1871. Chief Raymond is  the first Black Fire Chief in the United States.
He was Foreman (Captain), promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer (Deputy Chief), and then promoted to Chief Engineer (Fire Chief). Engine 5 in Inman Square was named in his honor, the "Patrick H. Raymond Engine Company No. 5."
Chief Raymond was in command of the Cambridge Fire Department during the Great Fire of Boston in 1872 & worked with Boston Fire Chief Damrell in controlling the great fire. The entire Cambridge Fire Dept (except for reserve apparatus) had responded to the fire in Boston.

 

Chief Raymond advocated stronger fire prevention codes, an increase in the number of fire companies and company strength, and a fully-paid, permanent fire department. As fire chief, he was able to triple the fire department budget, build four new fire houses, and establish two new fire companies. 

 

He was elected and served as the recording secretary of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Both Patrick H. Raymond and his brother were United States Navy veterans of the Civil War. 

Chief Raymond was born in Philadelphia and the family eventually moved to Washington Street in Cambridge. As chief, he lived at 10 Pleasant Street in the Central Square area. He died in 1892 and is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery.

 
Cambridge's 21st century fire boat, the Patrick H. Raymond Marine 1, is named in his honor.

Patrick H Raymond - 1

Patrick H Raymond - 5

Patrick H Raymond - 4

Page was posted on 2/6/2025 11:51 AM
Page was last modified on 2/6/2025 1:05 PM
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