A dedicated public servant, who made Philadelphia history, is gone. Retired former Fire Commissioner Harold B. Hairston passed away Tuesday night. Commissioner Hairston, who retired after a 40 year career in the Fire Dept., was 76 years of age. Hairston, who retired in 2004, was appointed commissioner in 1992 by then-mayor Ed Rendell. He was the first African American to serve in that office in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney released this statement, “I’m deeply saddened by the news of Commissioner Hairston’s passing. He was a dedicated firefighter and an outstanding commissioner. He left a lasting impact on the department and our city. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
The announcement from current Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Theil was equally brief and to-the-point,“It is with deep regret, the Philadelphia Fire Department announces the passing of former Fire Commissioner Harold Hairston. Commissioner Hairston was appointed head of the Fire Department in 1992 and served 12 years until his retirement in 2004. Circumstances of Commissioner Hairston passing are unknown at this time.”
