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.
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.