"Sam Haskins"

Is the earliest known African-American man to work in the Los Angeles Fire Department.Born a slave in Virginia,Sam came to Los Angeles sometime in 1880.In 1892 he worked as a "call Fireman",a paid position that was part time,filling in for members off sick or on vacation.Most call fireman filled a permanent position when one became available.On November 19,1895,an alarm came into Engine Company No. 2 located at 2127 East First Street.The Engine Company responded,the hose wagon leading the way,the steam engine following.Sam climbed on the rear tailboard of the engine alongside engineer.Hitting rough pavement on North main street,he lost his balance and fell forward into the large wheel on the left side of the boiler.He was fatally crushed and died a short time later at the Engine House.Sam was a well liked person around town and had many friends.He was the first member of the department to die in the line of duty and his funeral was attended by Chief Walter S.Moore,his assistant Ed R.Smith and Ira J.Francis,the electrician.A large detail of thirty men from the fire department as well as members of the police department attended.The cortege was headed by a band and Chief Moore delivered a grave side address.The death if Sam Haskins prompted Councilman Ashman to direct the Fire Commission to organize an Engine Company to be composed of African-American men.A motion was put forward to the fire commission on November 26,1895.