VIDEO: This Black History month, KIRO7 is celebrating Chief Claude Harris — Seattle’s first Black firefighter who rose through the ranks to become the city’s first Black fire chief.
His journey was not without major pushback, as well as challenges that are tough to imagine now.
“God has blessed me, I’m still healthy,” Harris said.
Harris stays busy at 90 years young, speaking or making appearances at events.
“So, people haven’t forgotten me,” Harris said.
In fact, Harris is far from forgotten. The chief is frequently celebrated, like at the Seattle Colleges annual MLK event this year.
“Chief Harris, you carried the weight for all who came after you. For this, we say thank you,” said current Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.
Scoggins detailed some of what Harris fought to overcome.